Life with five kids

I used to pop in on the forum for large families, but there wasn't really a lot of traffic. (Admittedly, I haven't tried in a while.)

I think I have been doing a good job (yes, tooting my own horn!) at being a mom to all five kids, but sometimes it gets to be so exhausting. In my situation, the hardest part is finding enough time to fill up everyone's "love tank" and still keep my house running smoothly. My dh works in an emergency room and has long shifts. Today he works 16 hours, and tomorrow a 24 hour shift. So, much of the time I go it alone. Usually it isn't a big deal, but days like today I already feel burned out before breakfast. I have a very strong urge to run and hide! Or even better, go get my hair done, take a long walk by myself, or go shopping for new clothes! But, instead I will do three loads of laundry, pick up the house at least a dozen times, do the twins' physical therapy three times, attempt to keep the older three entertained, lug everyone to the grocery store, and possibly attempt a trip to the Babies R Us that is 45 minutes away to pick up a new stroller. The day seems impossible, yet at the same time I realize that before I know it I will be bathing the three youngest and the day will be coming to a close.

I guess I didn't have much of a point for this post, just getting things off my chest. I wouldn't change my life if I could, but at times it is a tad bit overwhelming. I am one of those people who thrives on organization, and I am forever coming up with little tricks to make everything run smoothly. There are times when it all goes so well that my sister and husband joke that I should write a little handbook. But there are other times when I have no control over anything. That is how I feel today, and I HATE it. I know many of you feel the same way.

Thanks for listening! You guys are the best... Lisa

 

:hug99: I don't know how you mom's with lots of kids do it. I only have the girls and there are many days when I feel overwhelmed and am counting down the minutes to their MORNING nap!

Do you get time off? Does anyone come over and watch the kids so you can go get your hair done or take a walk by yourself? You can't take care of everyone else if you don't make some time just for yourself too. :hug99:

 

I'm sorry you are having a rough day - you are definintly entitled to that - 5 kids wow, and I complain with only 2! You put me to shame!

 

Lisa,

It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job! I'm sorry things are overwhelming right now :hug99: . I hope it gets better as the day progresses!

 

Coming from another mom of many kids - I could totally relate on so many levels...

If others are commenting that you should write a book of how you "handle it"... then I'd say it's pretty evident that you're doing an outstanding job! We ALL have days where we want to run and hide but have to put on our game faces and head into the thick things and get the job done - so to speak....

Is there anyone you could call to come over and let you get out for just a bit to regroup and rejuvenate yourself??
I'll be thinking about you today and hope it goes well!

 

I have always wondered how you even have the time to post here… I only have 3 boys (and my oldest helps)… my dh works at home, and can pause and hold a baby if needed PLUS I have a full time nanny housekeeper (dh is a clean freak and she is here to keep us married)… when the twins were first born and I knew you were posting away and had 5 kids… I was sooo jealous of your “together-ness” but realized I wasn’t lacking… you just ROCK!!! I hope your day gets better…

Elizabeth

 

Your doing a great job!!!
I feel your pain half the time. Along with the three we have, I also have 3 teenage stepdaughters. When they are here for weekends and Tuesdays, it can be quite the zoo. Getting all their social schedules and ours to work out is nuts.
I see your girls are 3 days apart from mine, cool!!!
:hug99:

 

Another Mom to 5 here!! I understand the wanting to run away. Right now I hate taking all 5 kids shopping with me and I look for ways to avoid it especially shopping really early or realy late when Dh is home. I can't wait for school to start when 3 go off for part of the day and I can get errands run with just my 2 little ones.

Cindy

 

You are super mom-didnt you know that? Well you are! I really admire you for getting up everyday and doing it (even when you dont want to!) I have 3 total and feel totally incompetent most days.
I wish I could say it gets better but I dont know when...just my negetive spin on things-maybe I should keep those thoughts to myself.
Keep up the good work super mom!

 

I am a working mom of 3 and I am most of the time overwhelmed, and feel like I have no time for myself. Then, there are those days when everything goes smooth and I just feel so lucky for having this "big" family (even though I would secretely like to have a fourth one, which we can't afford right now). It sounds like you are a real trooper! I am glad your husband acknowledges the great job you're doing taking care of your big family :clapping:

 

Sounds like you are doing great and I bet all of your kids know you love them with all your heart and never doubt it!!

Dianna

 

You sound like a wonderful mother.

 

GO Lisa!!!

I have enough trouble with the twins!!!!

Maybe you would be able to write a book if you had time to scratch yourself!!!!
:hug99:

 

I really admire moms like you who have larger families to take care of, it can't be an easy task. I hope you are able to get some time to yourself every now and then because I know that is so important for all moms Props to you for all your hard work and sacrafice, your family is lucky to have you!

MJ

 

I just want to thank all of you who took the time to read my ramblings and respond. As usual, my TS peeps came through for me and I am cheered up and encouraged! Thanks for the sweet words, and the understanding. I guess no matter how many children we have, we all have these days and we are all awesome for keeping things going day after day.

Lisa

 

:hug99: I know how you feel! I work out of the home, PT since the boys, but I know where you are coming from.

 

As elizabeth said, YOU ROCK!!

Even b4 the twins were born, you rocked, with hubby away and your 3 girls at home. You are especially rockin' now!!

I hear ya, though...i have 4 under the age of 5. Carter doesnt start school until net year, so we are pretty busy here. I never was an organised person b4 but, i like to think i am now.

When the girls were about 3 months old, i was getting stressed out about the housework and filling the lovetank. I really like to have a clean house
(kids are messy i know, but messy is different to clean),
and we always have lots of visitors just dropping in here, so i don't like to have my house look like a homeless person wouldnt live here, but it was that obsession that was getting to me. I think i felt like a clean house meant like i was coping but that doesnt mean anything at all really, just that excessive house keeping used up several hours of valuable time that could be devoted to my kids.

I now get in help for 5 hours a fornight to take care of my floors and my bathroom, and a little ironing. Its not much, but atleast i don't feel guilty anymore. I know i can go out and play with the boys, or sit and babble with the girls, because i know that if i don'y get to the floors other than sweeping, i know it will get done soon. I've even had some time to do a little sewing.It's priceless, to just have a little of the load taken off my shoulders


I have also adopted the motto (aside from laundry) what ever i can't get done b4 lunch, doesnt get done. We have kid time after lunch, and some mummy time, before dinner and baths and HUSBAND time starts!

You are doing a wonderful job, and believe me, a haircut, a walk, a book , having someone help just a few hours a week, will make you feel like a woman in control.

Keep up the good work, and LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU WRITE THAT HANDBOOK!!!! I WANT A COPY!!

 

Lis- You know I'm thinking of you :itwins: and give you soooo much credit.

If I'm ever anywhere in your area I'll take you out for :drinks: lol

 

vent away! I know how hard it is when DH's work long shifts. Maybe you could try having a babysitter come help you for a few hours during the day? I agree, if you are able to be organized with 5 young children you should write a handbook for us newer moms!

 

just so you know...i think youre amazing and i admire you so much.