✨13 TIPS, HACKS + HABITS that make life EASIER as a Mom of 8 Kids!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
- 13 Tips, Hacks + Habits that help me manage our big family of 10!
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The two things I'd add to your great list -- (1) laundry is never "done." It's just not. Never. Ever. Ever. Every basket may be empty, but unless your family is walking around in their birthday suit, you're just a few hours away from a full basket again. I'm still working on accepting this. (2) just like laundry, the sooner you come to accept that people are going to be hungry again in just a couple hours, the better you'll feel about life. I know they just ate. But, they will need to eat again. Every day. Forever. Which means dishes are also never "done".
Yes!!!! Anytime a mom asks for advice I tell them this....nothing is "done"...you just have to keep the water wheel in motion. Once you can change this perspective it relieves a ton of self-imposed guilt and discontent.
That’s great advice!
🤣 agreed!
So true! I just had my 4th and do a full load of laundry every day 🤣BUT having a mindset that it’s a cyclical chore and is never actually “done” has helped SO much!
So refreshing to hear! It's a forever revoling door. I use to get upset but the sooner you come to this realization the better.
I am #7 out of 8 girls and growing up my mom bought a little drinking fountain from the school she attended before they tore it down. My dad installed it in the kitchen. She was tired of washing cups, getting kids cups of water, kids arguing about whose cup is whose and yelling "she drank out of my cup!" It was awesome having that fountain and my friends thought it was so cool! Now all of her 25+ grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren use it too! 😍
Cassie Rittenhouse I know a mom that solved that problem by buying plastic dishes in different colors and each kid had their own color
We had a water fountain also that my dad got off a job. It was on our front porch.
Water fountains in homes are becoming more and more.
That is fantastic!
I inherited an antique table and chairs. It was a wedding gift to my grandpa's parents. Before my grandma died she specifically told me to use it everyday and let the kids play at it and do their arts and crafts etc at it BC that's what a family table is for. She told me it's ok to refinish it etc as needed. I think it was good that she gave that permission to me. I don't regret the paint marks that have been stuck there for 18 years or the scratches and dings. I never felt I had to go overboard to protect it. It saved me a lot of stress not having to be concerned about what my grandma would think because that permission to just enjoy was already there. I ultimately ended up with most of the old furniture and it's all been used and loved. Some have met it's demise while other things are still going strong. Having the mindset that the things are supposed to serve me and my family and not us serving the things has really helped me be ok with dings and scratches and glass rings etc. We are just leaving our marks and memories in the furniture too!
I have my grandma’s parents table as well, my grandma remember when she was a child and they went to the carpenter and ordered the table, two chairs (my grandma has one and my mom the other) and a sidetable. Before the table passed to me, my mother had it and before that my uncle. We use it as our everyday table since 11 years back and the quality of well made items is just great! We’ve bought new chairs several times, they break but not the table!
@@catharinab8860 it's so crazy how poorly things are made now! The pieces I've had meet their demise were side chairs and I could've likely repaired them but they were casualties of the cat. The wood and the fabric. It honestly just seemed like more work than it would be worth to try and repair, but I did continue using them until that cat passed. The only furniture my kids have damaged was stuff in their own rooms and it was all bought for them. I honestly feel that the quality just wasn't there as I'm certain kids are no more rough now than they were decades ago!
@@MarisaAndChew I agree, furniture today is made to only last a couple of years and to then be replacedby something else with the same lifetime. It’s sad really. I don’t like changing out furniture, if I want a new feeling I’ll rearrange what I already have. All our furniture that lasted through our kids younger years are older, second hand finds and inherited pieces.
@@catharinab8860 I was actually talking to my mom about a week ago how the only furniture or decor I have purchased myself is my bed, bedding and a few lamps and a throw rug. Artwork was all done by my brother or myself and the decorative pieces like vases etc were all inherited or gifted to me while I was growing up. I always redo things by rearranging! It shocks me how much people spend on decor especially for each season each year! I hate that the world is so disposable now! 😭
@@MarisaAndChew I couldn’t agree more!
Yep, Systems make it all work. Mama of 6 here and people always gush about how "organized" we are. But they forget that when there are 8 people using simple, well established systems it makes a big difference. My biggest tip is that each kid has a color. My oldest is blue. She has a blue cup, blue pencils, blue towel. When something blue is left laying, we know it's hers.
I love this idea
That’s how my husband grew up and we’re going to implement it with our children as well!
And to her point about cups and drinks and such, I’m a big fan of using a water bottle for each kid, washing it every night, and just having them use that all day, and using a specific colored cup for milk or whatever that has a place in the counter so you can just rinse it and use it through the day. Using different cups for every meal is impractical for me, and it creates way less dishes.
Oh yes color coding kid's junk is sooooo helpful
Six kids and us too. Towels, water bottles, folders, etc all color coordinated.
Yes! Mom of six here too. We color code too and I didn’t realize that my husband wasn’t aware that our 4 oldest had colors and when I was pregnant with #5 I said out loud, “I wonder what color this baby will be?” The look on my husbands face was priceless… and he said, “I hope you know!” Haha 😂 that was the day he learned that each kid had a color assigned to them.
SOOOO much excellent advice here, Angela! One of my favorite videos yet. As a homeschooling mom of 6 (soon to be 7), having the kids simply rinse their dishes between meals and reuse the same set for all meals throughout the day has DRASTICALLY cut down on the amount of dishwashing in this house! Instead of washing literally 120 dishes each day (6 kids x 5 dishes per meal [plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork] x 4 meals), we simply run the dishwasher once after dinner each night, and everything fits! I have designated a shelf in our island where each child puts his rinsed dishes in his designated spot, that way there are no mix-ups between whose germs are on which dishes, and the sink is almost always empty!!! The other life-saver we implemented years ago is having a "leader for the day." It rotates through each of the older kids (oldest is leader one day, next oldest is leader the next, etc.), and any squabble defers to the leader. The leader also gets to pick the video watched at the end of the day and get the baby up from her nap (they all love that!). The caveat is that the Bible teaches that a good leader is a true servant, so anytime mom needs a quick favor, the baby's cup needs a refill, etc. the leader is called upon to serve. There is no arguing about decisions that defer to the leader because they all know that they will get their turn in the coming few days.
Oh my word. Your idea about the leader being a servant is absolutely fantastic.
LOVE THIS!! 💕
The leader is a great idea! My daughters school class has a star of the day that does the jobs like get the lunch boxes out of the fridge etc, they get to wear a special lanyard and the kids absolutely love it. You could totally do this with a large class!
Raising my 7 kids, 2 things, especially when they were young, that helped tremendously were 1. ROUTINE IS KING! and 2. NAPTIME IS SACRED!
Loved these honestly. One thing I have started with my kiddos is also making sure that once a day or so I’m sitting down with them and engaging be it with play or crafts or anything. It can become easy to say you have to do all this housework or work and don’t have time to stop and sit for an hour then miss that time with your kids. Taking the time to just be with your kids can help you feel happier with your role as a parent.
I’m really struggling to find this balance! I always feel bad that I didn’t spend more time with my kids but then when I do I also feel bad that there’s baskets of laundry sitting around or the kitchen is a mess.
Yes, I completely agree!!
I love everything you said. It is true...and I "only" 😉 have 5 kids.
I always remind myself "I get to" when the mundane feels overwhelming: laundry, cooking, driving, teaching, cleaning, toys, anything... I have this family, we are blessed with house, clothes, car, food, toys whatever... We get to...
Something my parents always did for us was the reward system unstead of punishment. Implementing it as early as you can (for us it started when we were babies) will make a huge difference. For example, instead of saying "if someone doesn't do their homework they will not get dessert" you can say "those who do their homework on time can eat ice cream before bed" (once in a while, don't make that a habit😂). It can be a treat, a present, planning a family getaway etc. Show your children that they earn what they want by working and putting in effort. But without taking away things.
genious ☝🏻🙌🏻🎉
I used to feel so guilty for not buying everything! Now I'm very intentional with my purchases and my children can actually see what they have ! It also brings me joy to walk into a room and its actually just a few things to put back in place.I have 6 kids from 1-12 and with toys less is more🥰 You're amazing Angela and your family 🥰🥰🥰
I literally got outdoor waterproof cushion covers for my couch so I could wipe up spills easily and it was the best decision I’ve ever made hahaha
This is genius lol
You win, this is so smart!
My advice for those with younger children who are prone to tantrums is to give them options as much as possible. It gives them a sense of control and usually stops the tantrum in its tracks because they’re so focused on making their choice.
Love this! Thank you. My 4 year old had been having many tantrums throughout the day. Will try this!
I needed to read this, thank you ♥️
Yes I recently realized this is the way to go with tantrums.
One thing even I as a new mom looking at other older mothers with 4, 5 and even 12 kids that I didn't realize at the time is that "Rome wasn't built in a day". My family of 7 wasn't made immediately. The kids in my house have come in progressively. Every day we have worked on systems. And taught skills. And given more responsibilities. And they have gotten older over time. They weren't babies at the same time.
Those with babies can't imagine having 8 year Olds who can load the dishwasher. But it becomes a reality and it's amazingly helpful when you are feeding the new baby or doing something else they can't help with.
I needed this today. I wanted to share that a few years back, you planted a seed in us. We've been discussing adoption since the first time I watched your videos. We've had 4 biological children since, and have slowly worked up to adoption standards. We've now learned that a foster child that has grown up with us in her circle in the last 2 years may need an adoptive family, and we are opening our doors and hearts to her. Know that, in a way, you have assisted in this little girl joining our family! And now we'll have 5 that are 6 and under 😂. So this video is helping me prepare mentally to that haha
Wow. Way to go! You've got this mama!
More videos like this, please! Especially more advice for the “rigid” type moms who God chose to bless with a large family.
Just want to come back to this comment to offer some help to any moms feeling too rigid out there. I came across a book by Danny Silk called ‘Loving Our Kids on Purpose’ and this has completely changed my mind set which has given our family the freedom we all desired. Highly recommend❤️
We used to have a giant playroom. The more kids we had the more we realized they needed less toys. The play with each other, they use their imaginations and they conquer boredom on their own with less toys. They and I also feel more at peace when things are easy to tidy.
Almost died laughing because of the Telephone calls!!! Soo true my dear! Lots of Love from Switzerland Jenny
I'm so with you on breaking things! Kids feel so guilty on their own they don't need to be crushed.
My mantra is: "Nothing in this house is more important than the people who live here"
That helps me with decluttering too not just when an uh oh happens 😊
Love all your thoughts and ideas! One thing we do to reduce the cup situation is get every family their own insulated cup for the day. During school, or running errands, practice they have their cup of water ready to go.
We are a one cup a day family too. They can rinse it out but the same cup all day!
Same!
Our homeschool room has a snack drawer and a water station with a refillable drink dispensers, it's a lifesaver.
Losing a nap is like a death in the family 😅. Mom of 6 with #7 on the way, I feel this. We use almost all these same systems too and it works great. Finding systems are what makes our house work. I’m not a naturally organized person so I’ve had to learn it over the years too. It’s nice to hear another mom talk about it like this. Cheers!
I loved this video so much! I’m your age and I’m a new mom with a 3 month old and I found this so helpful. It’s unlikely I will have a large family at my age but this advice is so wise and applicable to all families 😊
Mother of seven here. "Large Family Logistics" is a great book I always read through each year. Lots of these same ideas, systems and organization.
It has a different name now!
What is the name of that book now?
That’s why your name is Angela. You’re literally an angel for us moms. I have 4 little ones. Thank you! 😘
The French art teacher hiding in the corner…😂😂😂😂 So true! We’ve scaled back the play room quite a bit and it feels so much better for me and the kids. Not so overwhelming to pick up and not so much clutter that they just lose interest. Love all of your tips. Thanks so much for sharing.
Great advices! This is a video to put on repeat...to keep it saved and revisit every time you feel down or feel like your not good enough! Thank you so much!
I am a great grandmother and I want to tell you I appreciate what you said! A lot of wisdom, I wish every mother would listen and act like their child is a blessing and not a nuisance to them. They need to teach their children about Jesus, love them theirselves and stay off their phones and give them attention.
I taught MT son 'careful' this means he's to be careful, watch where he's going etc best thing I've ever taught him. The amount of things I've prevented him running into, bashing into cause he's so hyped (he's super hyper active) he doesn't pay attention to what's around him, in front of him etc
Great tips! We have cut back on the amount of toys more and more with each kid. They still have SO much stuff, and I'm sure we can and probably will cut back more over time. We had a toddler give up his naps recently, and your comment about "almost like a death in the family" made me truly laugh out loud. We always do quiet time and I need it maybe more than my kids!
We bought bins and took out the toys they didn't play with. If it stayed in the bin for 6 months to a year I brought it inside bagged it up and yes they got it again for Xmas. Toys got a renewed excitement and a few more months being played with. Didn't always give them to the same kid either. Stuffed animals was the biggest one. Saved on holiday purchases too.
Love the tips!! These are great.
Teaching and delegating housework to kids as they’re able has been a game changer for me
Thank you soooo much for talking about activities!!! Your advice is valuable even for smaller families.
Such solid advice. Your kiddos are gonna grow up to be amazing people. The world will be a better place because y'all are in it!
I thought all my years apologizing for my girls being loud, needy, whining, fighting, etc. while I try to adult on the phone was me. Thank you for making me feel not alone.
I love the heart I hear behind this video. I am so grateful for your channel. It is such an encouragement to me ❤️
As a mom of three (now my youngest is 26 yo) all of these tips are the best! I did a lot of these things as a single mom for years for having more than one helped because they entertained one another as they grew older.
I adore you so much and am gaining so much value from you! It’s my 3rd year homeschooling and you’re my inspiration!!!! 💜
Lowing expectations! That is key! And reducing our toys was a game changer. They actually play with them more now than ever. Great tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing!
love this so much! real advice. thank you. I was insane with the snacks and finally just cut out a morning snack totally. it has given me so much freedom. no packing snacks for errands or cleaning up after snacks. they eat a much heartier lunch too!
I’ve really been loving your parenting videos. They have been so eye opening. Thank you for sharing your wisdom of experience!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video. I hope you make more like this especially on topics such self care and how to get computer work done when you have a family.
I get keeping stuff up to prevent any drama. I boxed it all up and kept surfaces clear so they we so easy to clean. Excited because we are finally in a place where I can decorate like I used to with less worry.
Standing O! You are right on so many of these points. Especially loved your description of when kids are done taking naps it’s like a death in the family! Ha. It sure feels that way. I did the same thing with my 3 kids…they had quiet room time every afternoon so I could regroup, have some coffee, read little and feel refreshed for the evening. Thanks for putting out content like this! 💕
I just can’t even tell you how much I love your videos. I think you’re so beautiful and so wise. Thanks for all the wonderful advice. You’re my fav TH-camr and I look forward to all of your videos. Thanks for sharing !
Yes please. Do a video about your early mornings by yourself!
Yesss please
I know how it feels! I grew up as a kid who always had busy schedules after school hours. Therefore I want to make it different for my children now, being more present with them, and spending family time more 💕
Needed this reminder tonight! Thank you for sharing! I would add to what you are saying about not putting breakables in a wild free spirited child's path is to in every area set them up for success- help them understand how to be apart of the team to work together at reaching the overall peace and joy in your home! Systems are my favorite and being flexible is a must - stretching but a must 😊
Angela you remind me so much of my momma…my mom had seven and we were stair step. Three of us shared our age together, but she was very organized and like you she adapted to seven different personalities. Thanks for sharing, I hope this will help someone else.
Amen! Thank you!
I second having less toys. It has made life so much easier for parents and my kiddos.
Perfect timing! Thank you
Thank you! I have 5 kids 7 and under, and I'm quickly learning that systems=survival!
“French art teacher hiding in the corner waiting to do a painting lesson with your kid”. Ahhhhh! That made me laugh.
Thank you. I needed reassurance today in motherhood, and this was perfect.
You are awesome in giving motherhood advice that is realistic. Keep it up please!
Really needed this today Angela. Thank you
This was so relatable. One of your best videos on that subject. 🤗
Hi Angie, I don't have kids however in listening to you I think your advise is useful in many situations. I love that you say HOWEVER instead of BUT. Thank you for creating wonderful vlogs to watch.
Thank you Angela. Your chanell is really helpful. I am a mom of 6 from Hungary. My oldest child is 12, the youngest is 2yrs old. I felt burnout nowadays when I watched your video and it helped immediatelly. You are amazing. 😊😊
The last point really spoke to me. You explained it so well! Thank you! 💕
Agree! My oldest is almost 16 and I’m pregnant with twins who will bring us to 8…but got a few useful tips so thank you!
Your tips are great and make complete sense.. I been a mom for 23 yrs…I have 9 kids there ages are 23,22,20,18,13,12,6,3, and 1.Over the years I completely change my expectations and it’s made my life much easier.
Available cups and containers is a must👏🏽 So helpful for our children. Our big family limits activities too. We are a part of our local city swim team and all our children are able to participate! Which is awesome because driving to 1 practice for 5 children 💦 yay. Great advice Angie 😊thank you.
Great video. I only have two daughters ages five and seven and i honestly loved all the types and advice you shared.
Love your channel, Angela! 🤎🤍🧡
Totally agree with you 💯😘 love from Portugal 🇵🇹💖
Sweet Angela, such wonderful tips. As a Mama for 35 yrs, 9 children, 12 grandchildren, with 4 still at home and the youngest being 8, I can vouch for those seasons. Each season will come, and you won’t miss out on anything. But like you said, you just can’t have it all at once. My two favorite things you said is to “remove the reactive things from your home” , and rise early. Both will bring calm and sanity. Blessings to you all 💞
You're literally glowing in this video. ✨️
I'd be interested in seeing you do a video on the benefits of rising before your kids. I do that as well & so enjoy it but can tend to not be as productive during that time because I love waking up slowly (w/o the demands of motherhood & life) & easing into my day. I'd love to hear if you have a good balance of waking slowly but also being productive. Thanks for your videos! 😍
This is the best and realest parenting tips I've ever heard 🙌❤️ All your points are so important, and some were really touching and can apply to small families as well. I do struggle with maternity since my 1st son was born 9m ago, because I have a hard time letting go. I want it all and I want it right now, like before having a baby and I can't. And it makes me feel like my life is "over" or that I'm failing. Thank you, as always ❤️
Great point! We have been fed the fallacy that we can have it all. That isn’t true. If we have it all, that probably means someone in our immediate family is being shortchanged , at the very least. Our society has directed women away from the value of being a mother and setting her priorities based on the needs of another human. As Angela points out , there are seasons of life. Priorities shift. Going with the flow is much more enjoyable than thrashing against the current; in the end it is also more productive.
I only have 4 but I definitely needed that encouragement today.
This is sooooo accurate!!!
Yup
My kids are both officially adults, the cup cupboard is still the lower cabinet next to the fridge. The coffee pot is on top and the upper above it is mugs and wine glasses. We tried to switch the cups to an upper once and the habit of going into the bottom just wasn't working for us, so it remains down low! I imagine if I successfully move it now I'll get a grandbaby and have to move it back 🤷🏼♀️🤣
I have 3 boys. I homeschool and cook from scratch. I also love a clean home lol and my compromise was on folding washed clothes. Haha I just gave up on that a few weeks ago and am still working through my guilt haha but something has to give so I don't loose my peace and joy. Lowering expectations is so hard!
Quiet time is a must! 😁🙌
Thank you for this!!!!
i had quiet time, sleep or not…now an empty nester and training a 10 mo old border collie, she too has designated nap times every 2 hours, she knows many commands and settle/take a nap is just one of them….reminds me so much like toddler time
This is such a good video! Absolutely love your channel and all the wisdom you share❤️
I loved this video. You were so straight forward and clear - awesome & very helpful!
As a mama myself i LOVE this video Angela! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
I love this video! Just what I have been praying for, I needed guidance on this topic and i got so much great advice! ❤
Such a wise mother let alone woman and human being.
Between 6:15and 7:30 you took the words out of my mouth!!! And alot of people do not understand but thank God you do love you always
I’m always SO GLAD when you make videos like this! Even if you repeat things you’ve said before, I need reminders. 😉 Love from a mama of six 🤍
Thank you for all your great advice ❤
Jumanji when you get on the phone! Lol yes. I'm glad it's not just me.
I totally understand this as I am a previous foster parent of sometimes up to 10 kids total, counting my 2. Now we have been out of it. We just adopted my great neice, 9. Very active very ADHD alot of insecurity. It's been this for now on 43 yrs of being a parent. Lol
Great advice 👍
PREACH Angie let's go! You just needed a pulpit 😂🙌💚. Wonderful video with beautiful advice. Your children are blessed to have you!
I love you for the cups idea!!!
Love it 💕 this was so helpful! Thank you so much!
I do agree with your tips
Great tips!
I am scared of the insta-pot, too! I tried using it twice..had raw chicken and about burned my face off with the valve! It's left in the garage to die now.
I really love your view on keeping important items in a safe space so that they don’t get broken, rather than scolding the kids for accidents. It always makes me sad to see parents yell at their kids for accidentally breaking a dish or spilling something.
Or getting a stain on clothes. I once heard a mother say to her approx. 8 yo "I told you chocolate icecream are for other, less clumsy kids. You are getting vanilla next time." because she had gotten a stain on her blouse. It was soo depressing.
The cup drawer! Lol we do this. Have a cup and bowl drawer for the little ones to reach.
Well said, and Amen. From a mother of 11. Blessings
I love this. Right on sister.
I love it. Your respectfull way, how you accompany your children. I agree with every point. thanks
Taking notes over here… love it xx
Absolutely 1000% on fewer toys! 12 kids ages 17 down to 1 here. Minimal toys are SO much better. Also, my 17yo just saw my comment and said, "Fewer toys are more fun because you get to be more creative."