Just how do they manage it all?
From practical tips to getting things done faster, to mental tips to simply be able to cope with the workload…moms of large families have lots to do and they have no choice but to figure it out. We asked a few moms for their best “large family” tips. This is what they shared:
Laundry & Cleaning:
“When I fold laundry I have a laundry basket for each room spread out and I put the clothing directly into that room’s basket. That way, it takes half the time to put away and also keeps my piles folded well. I do laundry every day otherwise it piles up too quickly.”
“It’s ok if not all the laundry is done. Just keep doing.”
“I clean the house when the kids are in school and the baby is napping. I don’t have cleaning help so I need to make the most of my quiet time.”
“On Motzei Shabbos, there’s no havdalah until everyone chips in and gets the house back in order. It happens much quicker this way.”
Food:
“I have a set menu (For example: Chicken Cutlets on Monday; Chicken Bottoms on Wednesday. I’m flexible with how to season the supper). This way, I don’t need use much mental energy to decide what’s for supper.”
“My children take lunch to school. It’s bagged and frozen so they can just grab and go (rolls, garlic knots…)”
“I have a set menu. Sunday is date night, so it’s pizza or noodles for dinner. Monday is leftovers so I have all day Monday to do housework and not worry about dinner. Tuesday is dairy, Wednesday is fish, and Thursday is meat. I try to be organized about food shopping so that I don’t need to be in the grocery every day.”
Clothing:
“I don’t like too much clothing. Less stuff in the closet keeps it neater and I don’t mind if they wear it out so I have less to store as hand me down.”
Mental:
“Daven daven daven to Hashem.”
“Balance between being organized, but roll with the punches with what shows up day to day. Take a day at a time.”
“I tell my kids—fight now—because when you are married you need each other.”
“I listen to classes while I do tedious work like ironing (7 shirt every day!) so that I don’t feel like I’m drowning in housework. I feel like I’m growing spiritually and mentally.”
“Try to give each child some alone time every so often. Let them join you on errands etc. they are great at keeping track whose turn it is!”
“Sleep well. Everything seems easier when you are well rested. Nothing useful gets done after 11 pm.”
Family is growing? Adapting as you figure out how to manage it all? Share your tips below.
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