The post about mamas ages has got me thinking. My family is one of the smallest here, yet I am also one of the only ones not planning to TTC anymore. We have a few reasons. DH is 12 years older than me and has some health issues, we are paycheck to paycheck, and honestly I feel like I just don't have the energy in me to start over again, again. How do you moms with even more than I have make it through the day? I love my kids and I think huge families are awesome, but I just don't think I could handle any more. I find you all to be an inspiration.
Hmmmmm,good question!I do have to say things have been even MORE of a struggle for us in every way this past year but I know its not enough for me to stop having babies;) For us I think we just need to start being A LOT more organized!I have watched some of the large family shows and I think on the Duggars too they mentioned that after about 6 kids or so that they really had to start being strict about their schedule and more organized than before or things just start getting haywire!I think thats what our issue is these past months and I have no doubt that we can accomplish that feat and welcome our new baby to come...BUT it will take a lot of discipline!I mean I need my slacker teens to pick up the pace with doing chores aND KEEPING picked up and getting teens to help at all is a challenge!
As far as energy,i think i just naturally have energy even as a fat person,lol,if i can lose some weight and start working out again I bet that would make life a bit easier too!
Its always hard but one of the few challenges I enjoy!
We all have days where things are really rough and we wonder how to get through the day. But I think all moms go through that no matter how many kids they have. And having a large family isn't for everyone, that is for sure.
For me, the really good days outweigh the hard ones. I think if I could have had our kids closer together I'd have more. I am blessed that we are doing well financially. I know if we weren't, the size of our family and plans for the future might be different.
At this point I am really thinking one more will be the end of the line for us. Age really plans a part in that decision. This last pregnancy was hard on me physically, and neither one of us can emotionally go through many more m/cs.
Any way, we all inspire each other. That's why this board is so wonderful. :)
I am just a lurker (and mom of four - three boys 7,6, and 4 and a girl 16 mos). I would love more children but my husband feels complete. Anyway, this thread sums up what I have been thinking about a lot lately. My school-aged kids are in public school and while I really like the school, there are so many things that younger siblings can not be involved in...field trips, volunteering, and much more. My kids love when parents come to school and I do a lot of running around so I can get there. I only have my MIL who can help watch the little ones, and while I fully appreciate it, it is a minimal amount of help. I wonder how parents with more children (who don't hs) manage to be involved as much as they want to be.
Well, I think age does make a difference but what i am finding is that as i get older so are the kids so my 12, 9, and 6 yo are basically self sufficient for the most part and the 12 really helps out and the 9yo is getting better and they are all very capable, even Benny the 4yo. I kind of feel like i am coach of the team, doing the usual chores, homework, school stuff, fun stuff, home stuff and squeezing in my stuff but more importantly to me is that i teach and lead them to be their best self, yk? I see that as a big difference. Little ones need so much attention just for the basics + love. older kiddos kind of cover their own basics with support but have different attention, personal investment, support needs. I can understand the age, money, and the energy factors but i think you just have to find that peace in your hearts, you and dh, and the rest will find a way no matter if you are done or another comes along, yk? i have #5 on the way and fully anticipate the first year to have the normal 1 yr challenges but be easiest overall because the other kids ages.
also, over the past couple of months i have really stepped up my teaching and keeping them accountable for things, owning their responsibilities, age appropriate of course and it really makes a huge different in tthe rythm and flow of our household, bit difference to everyone here.
