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Raising A Large Family
Here are Holly's Ten Tips for Raising a Large Family:
1. Have a big yard.
2. Know that you enjoy being with others.
3. See the good in each child.
4. Understand what you need to do for yourself to be successful and do it.
5. Be fair.
6. Tell each child you are proud of them many times.
7. Tell each child he/she did XXXX just right and he/she is smart.
8. Appreciate each other
9. Be strong to stand against outsiders who tell you that you are crazy.
10. Be welcoming of people who want to support your family .
What are some of the joys of having a large family?
The children are funny. There is never a dull moment. We see them help each other and play together and build relationships. We turn heads.
What are some of the difficulties and challenges that come with having a large family?
It is hard to coordinate all of their appointments if one is given on short notice. It is hard to go into town with more than 2 little ones because they are curious and go off to explore. It is hard to find a four wheel or all wheel drive vehicle that will seat all of us.
How do you maintain all the responsibilities of a large family without getting burnt out?
Yes, of course I become exhausted from caring for so many. I read a book or tell everyone to go out and play to get back stamina.
How do you give each of your children attention?
There are different parts of the day that can give each child attention. For instance early morning is for the babies and after dinner and chores is for the big boys.
How do you help your children get along with one another? Is fights between siblings and rivalry between them a problem? If so, how do you cope with it?
Our children usually get along. If they argue or disagree or are offended then I arrange for the offending or offended to have alone time to gather their wits. We talk about what someone has done well. We talk about what happened without blame.
How do you stay organized in a household of so many persons? Do you have any secrets to keeping it all organized and together you can share with our readers?
We have family rules that people are expected to follow. We have places for things. the children are warned about picking up and then the item disappears if not taken care of. The older children are expected to help and expected to do their own laundry.
What is the best part of having a large family?
We laugh and we have a family that we can count on each other.
Did you want a large family? Or was this a surprise?
Our family was not a surprise in the making. We chose each child or when each child would arrive to join the family.
How has having many children impacted your relationship?
We treasure the time we have together to make adult conversation and support each other. We share the responsibility of the children and the maintenance of the household. We recognize that someday we will be child free and look forward to the time we will not have to cook supper if we do not want to.
What does your family do for fun?
We play outside, go camping, hiking, swimming. In the winter we ski and sled. We play games and are learning to play board games fairly.
Do you ever worry that your children are missing out on one-on-one time with Mom? And if so, what do you do about it?
No, I do not worry about one on one time. One of us is always here and if not one of us then one of the siblings. We are not lonely we have each other.
How do you cook for a large family? Any secrets to this?
We just do. We make sure there is a big starch to fill up the children and make sure the other food groups are covered. We look for different ways to prepare the food we raise and grow.
What advice do you have for those who are considering having a large family?
Be strong in yourself, your relationship and your values. Do not bring another child into the home to save a relationship.
What has having a large family taught you about yourself?
That some alone time is essential.
That I am capable of miracles.
That creating a successful family is possible.
That I am versatile.
That I can survive on a little bit of sleep and still be patient.
That I can nurture successfully.
Visitors to our site since January 31, 2003.
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