Recently my oldest had a Birthday which marked my 8 years of being a parent. Over the years as the Lord has blessed us with more kids, sometimes in quick succession, I have learned ways to make things simple for myself, my family, and the running of our household least I “go crazy with so many kids” as lots of people have lovingly told me. Here are a few things we have learned or adopted from other big families that have helped us to simplify parenting in the day to day.
Keep Things Minimal
This is a big way that we simplify parenting in our household. We keep toys, clothes, and items in our home to a minimal. Cleanup is easier and we aren’t overwhelmed with all the stuff that can quickly accumulate in a home. Especially with 8 people and a cat living in said home! An every day is example of this is each of our kids has a Yeti Jr. 12 oz Kids Water Bottle. Rather than bother with numerous cups and trying to remember whose is whose day in and day out each child receives this at their 2nd Birthday. Everyone’s Yeti Jr. is a different color and some even have initials on them. That means one cup a kid to clean and keep up with on a daily basis. These Yeti Water Bottles are wonderful, sturdy, and last! The only parts we have had to replace are the straws inside.
We are also very minimal with our week-to-week schedule. Our kids know they will have some white space day to day to do activities they enjoy. This is also beneficial, as we aren’t in the car going all the time. As our kids get older and join extracurricular activities, I know this reality will change. For now, we are enjoying our calm schedule.
Batch Task(s)
Doing similar tasks together will not only save you time, but help your days flow better. Some tasks we batch are baking muffins. I bake a few dozen muffins on Sunday that our kids will eat with breakfast throughout the week. Maybe you could prepare school lunches at the same time every day. Even getting away with packing everyone the same thing so that is less you have to think about. Folding all your Laundry at the same time every day or week… depending on your Laundry System. This may sound like a nightmare task, but if you include your kids and watch a show or listen to music while you fold it can make this boring chore more enjoyable.
Take this a step further and have Themed Days to help you manage your household better. Maybe a Laundry Day to help control that growing pile so it never gets too out of hand. An Office Day where you schedule appointments, pay bills, and complete other administrative tasks for your home. An Errand Day for the Library visits, stopping by the Post Office, picking up groceries, dropping off returns, etc. Planning your days this way will help you not worry about things falling through the cracks as you will have better control on managing your home.
Decide Once + Stay Consistent
Like I previously mentioned we have purchased each of our kids a Yeti Jr. 12 oz. Kids Water Bottle. This is a prime example of something we decided once and have continued doing with each Boy when they turn 2 years old. Everyone knows their cup. There is no fighting or confusion. Therefore, it is a win for Dad and Mom 🙂
Meals is another area where we decide once and stay consistent. My kids are creatures of habit, so they like the same things for Breakfast and Lunch. This keeps things simple and easy for me as I’m not having to plan those meals out every day. I bake a few batches of muffins at the beginning of the week to have on hand for Breakfast. Then stock up on Bread, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Honey, Chips, and Applesauce Pouches. As well as Crackers, Lunchmeat, and Cheese so I have some options for quick lunches. This is helpful on the days when lunch time sneaks up on us or we decide to enjoy a picnic outside.
Something that is easier said than done is answering your child’s questions once and then sticking with your answer. There will still be times when our kids ask the same questions again and again. By staying consistent we do cut down on this. This may look like a quick NO you may not have an Easter Kinder Egg after Breakfast, but if you eat your Dinner then you got a deal. Sure, your kids may still harass you another 16+ times throughout the day hoping to wear you down. Just breath, stay consistent, and state your answer. Also, consistency doesn’t mean making a decision and sticking with it come hell or high water forever and ever amen. As seasons change and more kids are added to your family things that once worked well may need to be adjusted and that is OK.
Keep Daily/Weekly Schedule Simple
Kids like routine and structure so they know what to expect throughout a given day. In our home I try to have a daily routine we stick to but that can easily be adjusted if and when plans change. My kids know the flow of our days. Sometimes they will get onto me if I change things up or forget to follow the flow! Check out What My Family’s Morning Routine Looks Like. Or A Look into My Family’s Evening Routine to get a glimpse into parts of our day.
We also have a Weekly Schedule that stays pretty consistent. This looks like being homebodies Monday through Thursday as those are our School Days. On Friday, we venture out for some fun as a Family or maybe to run errands. Saturday, we enjoy a lazy day at home where we stay in PJs, watch TV, and eat Leftovers from the week. I also take this day to plan, prepare, and clean for the coming week. On Sunday we enjoy the day at my parents’ house and then we rinse and repeat the following week. Sure, there are weeks when we have to change things up. Maybe Sam’s work schedule had to change. Or there is a Family Birthday party to go to, but for the most part we keep our schedule simple.
Prep for Outings the Evening Before
Preparing for your outings the evening before is a LIFE SAVER whether you have one kid or multiple. Doing this will keep you sane in the morning because you won’t feel rushed thus causing you to become stressed out. By getting the Diaper Bag, Back Packs and Lunches, Errand Items, etc. ready to go the night before you will have more time to prepare and think through what you may need for the next day.
By preparing what is needed for an outing the night before then I know nothing will be forgotten. This allows for breathing room in our morning should the toddler be more fussy than normal and need extra cuddles. Someone can’t find socks, or the baby spits up all over me and himself a few minutes before heading out.
Buddy System
The Buddy System is something I read about from a Mom of 9 kids when I was pregnant with Baby #2. My first thought was, “Yeah must be nice!” Fast forward five years and four more kids later and we started implementing this last summer. Our older children are paired with the younger ones. It is easier to count and keep up with everyone this way. My younger kids are also less likely to bother things on shelves, run ahead, etc. when they are holding hands with a Buddy who might tattle on them 🙂
When we are out and about Dad is the Leader or Olivia when Dad is at work. Mama is the Caboose. Either Sam or myself will push the stroller with our two youngest boys in it. Everyone else falls in line holding hands with their Buddy between Dad OR Olivia Leader and Mama Caboose. The Buddy System is helpful while on walks around our complex. Shopping at the Grocery Store. Or on a Family Fun Day adventure.
Be Willing to Learn from Those a Few Steps OR Years Ahead
I am always trying to learn from families with 8 or more children. I want to see what they are doing to manage everything on their plate as they have more kids than me. Is there is anything I can try and implement in my own life that would make things run smoother? How do other Moms handle bedtime with a handful of little boys in the same room? Maybe I just need to know there are other Moms out there with numerous kids that I can relate with on some level.
One of my favorite people on YouTube is Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone. She is a Wife, Mother to 8 kids, and Entrepreneur. Our lives have some similarities, so I enjoy learning tips and tricks from someone a few years ahead of me in life. Anytime I watch her video I am always left feeling encouraged.
Do You Have Additional Ways to Simplify Parenting?
Please share with us in the comments.
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