Tell Me, How Do You Do It All? Doing Life In A Large Family

I remember back when I was pregnant with my fifth child. I was in awe of big families. There was one super mom in particular who had just had her ninth child. She had home birthed, healed with herbs, home schooled, was fit and healthy.  I was amazed! I mean, how did she do it all? When did she have the time?

When I attempted to get that answer out of her, she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled benignly. I was drawn to her and watched her like some people watch a fish bowl! I learned that among the apparent chaos there was order.

Now, I am asked that question quiet frequently. Seventeen kids?? HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL?

I always am quick to tell them that I only have eight kids remaining at home. Which generally brings exclamations of the cost of it all and the words, "ONLY EIGHT!"
When I look back over the past 30 years of motherhood and contemplate how to answer that question it occurs to me that my super mom must have been stumped too. Many years have been a blur of activities and ups and downs.
In answer to that question though I would have to say first of all, always enjoy and treasure you children.. If you want to do this you have to raise people you like and be a person that they like. Be your own best example. Secondly, train and delegate.. Like any job, if an employee is trained to do the job well, then they are able to train other employees under. At first I expected my kids to just know how to take the trash out, for example, I soon learned to teach one or two kids each step they are to follow. When they have mastered the task, then put them in charge of training a newbie. This builds unity and leadership among the family . Eventually, I adopted the saying, "If anyone else can do that job, then Mama should not." Don't get me wrong, I work hard and have many responsibilities however, I DON'T do it all!