People with 6+ kids - how do you manage living arrangements at home?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Benjinho
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I agree that there a concerns when you have a lot of kids in a small space, but that only turns into consequences if you don’t address those concerns. If parents are inconsiderate of their children’s privacy, they can do the same harm in a house where each kid has their own bedroom as they can where kids are sharing bedrooms. I do remember an instance where my stepmother was disrespectful of my privacy, however, we worked the issue out and the problem was solved.
 
I grew up with not just my siblings but cousins as well. There were always cousins staying over, so it was even more crowded.

As an introverted kid, I climbed trees and stayed in the tree tops to have some quiet time by myself. The family cat would accompany me some times amongst the trees.
 
Funny story. Our friends had just found out they were pregnant with #8. They took the family to a nice restaurant to tell them the news. With all 7 kids gathered around, after telling them, little Anna yells out, “you’re pregnant AGAIN?”

I’ve made a point to live close to all my brothers and sisters. We are each other’s best friends. Loneliness is an epidemic in the world. 😦
 
Last edited:
Daisy said:
I’ve made a point to live close to all my brothers and sisters. We are each other’s best friends. Loneliness is an epidemic in the world. 😦
Click to expand...
I grew up in a very large extended family.

Now we’re all scattered all over the world.

With very little job security we must be willing to move to get jobs and support ourselves. People nowadays are more transient than ever. It’s hard to put down roots if you have to keep moving for jobs.
 
One of seven.

Only thing I’d add to the above recommendations is this one from observing my parents: it’s good to get away once in a great while. Try to have a getaway weekend a few times a year. Literally that, get away from the house and the kids for a weekend. Nothing luxurious, my parents stayed at some close out of town friends’ house about 2 hours drive away. Probably got drunk for all I know, then they came back refreshed.
 
Grandparents, friends, anyone you would feel safe caring for your kids.

My parents had a poster on their wall for years. It was called “A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents” (taken from a book called Parenthood Without Hassles…Well, Almost). One of them was, “Don’t be afraid to go away on vacation, just the two of you. Kids need a break from parents just like parents need a break from kids. It’s also a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.”
 
Grandparents can help. My wife and I are frequent travelers. Europe, Australia Hawaii, etc. Usually once a year. My MIL is more than comfortable with the kids and my mom helps out. She often says my 6 are easier than my sister’s 2. Because the older kids are helpful. But we get family and friends to chip in while we are gone. My cousin takes them to soccer or football, our friends take them to Mass with their 7. And other friends chip in for icecream, pRks etc. We schedule each day for them and make sure grandma gets a break!
 
Basically anyone who is trusted can babysit. In my family’s case, that ended when the eldest were about 12, then the two eldest were delegated to handle the family for the night or weekend. For longer trips, the parents brought in adults until the eldest reached 16 or so. Have to remember by that time, the eldest had a few years of experience on their own handling the younger ones for shorter periods.

It helps to have extended family nearby and to network within the parish.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top