Had a glimpse of having a big family -- and no, I don't want one
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
April 26, 2012 2:56pm CST
My husband is away for his usual climb with friends to a distant mountain, and I wanted to have something to keep me from missing him too much. I invited my young cousins (7yr old, 9yr old, and 11 yr old) and 5yr old niece over to stay for a week vacation. So, they came, and my 3yr old daughter was extremely happy to have kids around. They play all day, shouting, running around, laughing and giggling loudly. I cook for them, 3 meals a day and serve snacks, too. When its time to eat they would all run to the table and the bigger kids get their own food, while I had to set up the plates of the smaller ones. When its time to bathe, I now have 2 kids to clean up, and the bigger kids take turns in the shower. At the end of the day, the house is just all clutter and dishes pile up. Good thing I have house helper to assist me.
It's still their 2nd day, and oh my, the fun comes with physical stress, too. I can't imagine having them everyday in my life. I'm glad I only have 1 kid to keep, and another girl is coming to join the bunch in a month's time. I guess that'll be the most I could have. I never really dreamed of having a big family.
Do you have a big family? What's your secret in keeping up with it, everyday?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
I don't have a big family. I only have one son. I was in a big family. I have four siblings.
It was all fun for me playing with my older brothers and sisters when were kids. I'm not really sure if my mother really had a hard time on us, giving birth maybe, but taking care of us? I mean each of us had our own nannies, my mother seldom cook for us, she did that on special occasion only. That's because we had a cook and our grandmother would assist her sometimes.
All i could remember was it was fun when we were young.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
She actually focused on earning more money. That's why we had all those nannies and househelp.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Your mom is very lucky to have all the help she can get in rearing her kids. She must have only focused on the fun part of being a mom, and left all of the nitty-gritty to the nannies.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
26 Apr 12
I was raised in a big family of eight kids. The "secret" is teaching kids to pick up after themselves, expecting them to take part in the chores like washing dishes and clearing the table and in having the older ones take some responsibility for the younger ones. It works. It allows kids to learn responsibility and to know that they're useful human beings.
1 person likes this
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
26 Apr 12
That's very clever and practical. Your parents did well in raising responsible children.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
28 Apr 12
Oh, I'm curious about that operation. Did it cause any side effects on your system? What changes did you feel after have your tubes tied?
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
29 Apr 12
Nothing that's really noticeable, or different. I've always had PMS prior to the procedure, they say when you have tubal ligation it becomes worse, but for me it was still the same, it's still that terrible feeling when you have PMS 
(I'm sure you can relate). Just like any other operation, the most difficult part was after the surgery, the cut/wound was painful and uncomfortable. But after that, everything was the same - minus the worry that I could get pregnant again.
(I'm sure you can relate). Just like any other operation, the most difficult part was after the surgery, the cut/wound was painful and uncomfortable. But after that, everything was the same - minus the worry that I could get pregnant again.@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
29 Apr 12
Oh my - "pain and uncomfortable".. I hope it didn't take that long to subside. I may consider doing that, too.
@a11ycat (35)
• Canada
27 Apr 12
I would love to have a big family.
I have PCOS, so it is possible I will be unable to have any children. So if I can have some, bring 'em on!
I think like another 'lotter suggested, it's important to delegate responsibilities, and have them participate in cleaning activities. Also, large families generally have children of varying ages, so the older ones are often expected to babysit the younger ones. That's how my dad's family of 8 worked!
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Yes, that would be really helpful when they reach the age of 6, perhaps. And, when trained will enough, they'd grow up to be really responsible individuals, and they'd help provide for the family, too.
