I never pictured myself with a big family. Granted, I never saw myself as a stay at home mom or homeschooler either! Right now I have three kids, which is not even close to a big family. If it were up to me, I’d have a baby every year. Today I’m babysitting my friend’s two kids. That means that there are five, yes five, active boys in my house. All it’s done is confirm that I want a house full of kiddos one day! So why would we want a big family in this 2.5 kids per household America?
Why Would We Want a Big Family?
Built in friends
My oldest two boys are 14 months apart. They honestly have no idea what it is like to live without siblings. They are seriously best friends, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As a homeschooling family, I love that they have plenty of time playing with other people. Plus, they get really great practice in sharing. My three are all boys, and almost all of their toys are “communal”. They grow up sharing their toys, helping each other, and playing nice.
They can’t be the center of attention
Our kids can’t have our 100% attention all the time. There aren’t three of us. We have to split our attention between the three. If one is sick, the others all help to take care of the one that is sick. When Mr. C is doing school, A-Man and Baby M have to entertain themselves. We regularly talk about the fact that the needs of our family come ahead of the needs of any one individual. In a society where kids are growing up self-centered, I am hoping and praying that I will raise boys into men who take care of their families at all cost.
I just love kids
I’ve always loved kids. I thought about being a teacher before I had kids, and now I am blessed to be a teacher to my own kids! I know now that I was absolutely meant to be a mother. I love my kids more than life itself. I can’t imagine not wanting kids. Right now we’re waiting until at least June to try for more kids, and I’m going absolutely crazy without a baby in my belly!
So what about you? Do you want a big family, or are you happy with one or two kids?
We thought we were done with 3 and got the loveliest of surprises with our 4th. I would also have babies every year. I loooooove babies! But, my husband says he’s done. (although he said that after 3, too.) I’d love to consider foster care or adoption.
Oh aren’t babies just the best surprise? I too would love to consider foster care and adoption! My pregnancies and labors are pretty dangerous, so that may limit how many children I can have physically, but there’s no limit to how many babies you can have in your heart! Thanks for stopping by!
We have four little ones at home, even though we were married late (age 34), plus my 2 from my first marriage, and I had every intention of having my babies until menopause. God had other plans. After our littlest, who is was born May 2014, I started having problems that required a hysterectomy.
I also know a wonderful Mennonite lady who planned to have a half dozen or more children. She nearly died with her 4 year old and hasn’t even got pregnant since. House built around the plan for “lots of children” and just one little girl in it.
With that said, I agree that larger families are best for children. Our boys are currently 7 and 5, and our girls are 2 and 6 months.
So true. I can plan on as many kids as I want, but really it is in God’s hands!
My pregnancies and deliveries are rather dangerous, so I know that I may not be able to naturally have as many children as I would like. We’re open to the idea of fostering and/or adopting more children if that time comes.
Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Kaylene! Thanks for reading my blog and wanting to link up to my post. I have a newer version of that post here if you would rather use it…http://www.thethingsilovemost.com/2013/12/fun-advent-countdown-to-christmas-ideas.html or I have this one also that is my most recent…http://www.thethingsilovemost.com/2014/11/25-days-of-christmas-spirit-service-fun.html but that other one is just fine too!
And I love this post! I have 5 children. A girl and 4 boys, plus my husband who sometimes acts like one of the kids LOL. I also love having babies and could have more, but the hubby says we are done. So I guess we are done…at least for right now! ;)
Husbands do tend to be over-sized children most of the time, huh? Wow five kids! You are my idol, girl. I can’t wait until I have a family that big! I’m hoping to never be done, but of course I’ll have to take Chris’s opinion into account.. haha. The round-up post just went live, in case you’d like to check it out. Thanks for stopping by!
This is such an encouragement. I am 22 and my hubby and I WANT a large family. People always look at me like I am crazy for “giving up” my full time job and wanting to homeschool my babies and start having a family while I am young.
Oh Emilee I’m so glad that you’re encouraged! It can be hard going against what society says is normal, but having a large family is so worth it! We’re about to have our fourth baby, and I couldn’t love it more!