If I had a nickel for every time someone said to me, "Wow, you sure have a lot of kids," I might not be rich, but I would have plenty of change. Today, five children is a large family to most people. A surprising number of people stop me and say, "Oh honey, how do you do it?" Here are a few tricks of the trade I've learned along the way.
- In the grocery store: The fewer the children walking the better. I carry the youngest child for as long as I can, going from infant sling, to baby carrier, to backpack. This way the next-to-the-youngest can continue to ride in the grocery cart seat.
- Carry on a conversation with each child.
- Let each choose something to see. One of my kids wanted to see the light bulb aisle every time we went to the store. So we learned a lot about light bulbs.
- On the road: We have no car TV or electronic games. I give each child a backpack. They get to fill it with the stuff they want--Legos, Barbies, coloring books and crayons, books to read.
- They decide what they want, but I set the limit--"only two Barbies and three outfits" or "the Legos must fit into this plastic bag."
- In restaurants: Carry your own paper and crayons, in case the restaurant doesn't offer any.
- Talk, talk, talk. There is much to discuss when you are eating out--all the different things on the menu, interesting things in the restaurant's decor, even the scenery.
- Let the kids tell the waiter what they want--it is exciting to place your own order.
- In life: Let big kids help their younger siblings. The older kids feel good about helping, the little ones like the attention, and it is helpful to you.
- Our oldest son is the expert at putting his younger brother's train together. That kind of cooperation is good for everyone.
Anita R. Gaston is a mom of five young children and a freelance writer in Bluff Point, New York.