Calling all mama's to a larger tribe.. « Back to Group Discussions

[organicviolin]

I am already feeling the call to getting more organized. I tend to be fairly organized, however we really need to utilize the space we have. We have 2 DS's ages 3 yo and 1 yo. We live in small house (yea we're going to need to move soon) with a lovely dog as well. 

So for you mama's with a brood of 3 or more - how do you do it? How do you attempt to stay sane, enjoy the chaos and figure out how to handle all the babes in your brood? 

I also can't shake the feeling that I'm cooking more than 1. Will let you know on Monday when I show up for my Dr apt at the right time, right day, right week! 

[broodymama]

I'll join in, I know I definitely need to get more organized!  DS1 is 7.5, DD1 will be 6 in July, DD2 will be 4 in July and DS2 will be 2 next week.  DS1 and DD1 are homeschooled, though that's been a bit slow lately with the morning sickness.   Lots of chaos, little sanity.  I need to get a grip on organization, and need to purge a lot of stuff in the house because I feel like we're just drowning in "stuff".  

[kawa kamuri]

I get asked how I do it almost every day. I just do. I get up, I figure it out and I do it. I stay sane and enjoy (mostly) because there's no other option, you know? I had one at a time, everyone adjusts and figures out the new normal. 

Originally Posted by organicviolin 

So for you mama's with a brood of 3 or more - how do you do it? How do you attempt to stay sane, enjoy the chaos and figure out how to handle all the babes in your brood? 

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by kawa kamuri 

I get asked how I do it almost every day. I just do. I get up, I figure it out and I do it. I stay sane and enjoy (mostly) because there's no other option, you know? I had one at a time, everyone adjusts and figures out the new normal. 

I love it!  This is how I feel about most of it.  Though I'll say somehow with the addition of #4 I wound up not sweating the small stuff as much.  I definitely need to streamline a bunch for this kiddo!  For sure.  4 kids living in just about 1800 square feet can make it feel like close quarters (oh, that plus 2 adults and 3 cats...and of course we're adding another).  No basement either, which makes things even more interesting (and yes we park both our cars in our garage LOL).  Seriously might start thinking about adding new shelving to the garage! ;)

[organicviolin]

glad to know that everyone adjusts to the new crazy and gets along with it and that you make do! :-) Always helpful to hear.

[broodymama]

Since it's a gradual adjustment, one kid at a time, that makes it a lot easier for me.  I know when my mom comes to visit she is easily overwhelmed by the lot of them, but for me it was gradual additions that I could get used to easily.  The analogy of the frog in the slowly-boiling pot of water comes to mind.    I was placed in the pot of cold water and it slowly heated up, so it didn't seem that rough to me.  My mom only comes a couple times a year (and less than that for my dad and step-mom), so for them they're plunged directly into the pot of boiling water and it's a huge shock!

[venusthrow]

we don't avoid the chaos and we are definitely not sane. With three under 6 and all 2 years apart (and girls) it gets insane in my house. especially because we believe that the kids will find out that they have ADD/ADHD (Like DH and I). But we just go with it. I am the oldest of 4 kids (all with add) and we just play up our strengths and just let the small things go. If I don't let things go then I would be paralyzed with fear. Organization really helps us along with gmail calendars. Love them and they sync up to our phone. Ohh and lists totally need lists. That and we are trying to get rid of anything we don't need. Cleaning up the house has really helped us stay more organized.