Parenting
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: August 22, 2015
Originally Published: May 24, 2015
You can often hear us before you see us. My spouse and I may appear to be engaged in a silent game of charades, utilizing hand gestures to communicate, all while executing the classic parental glare at one of our children: “This is the last time. Seriously!” Yet, this is merely the latest iteration of our ongoing “last time” mantra.
We tend to clean frantically in the 10 minutes leading up to a visit from friends, but almost immediately after, our home reverts to its usual state of delightful chaos. Arriving at church, only a few minutes late on a good Sunday, has led to comments that the “entertainment” has arrived. Yes, we are those people.
We might run the dryer an excessive number of times, simply to “re-fluff” laundry that has been waiting to be folded for… wait, what day is it again? In the grocery store or at amusement parks, we often draw the ire of fellow shoppers, showing up with two carts and a double stroller. Trust me, no one enjoys navigating around the parent with a double stroller while their kids dart in every direction.
Sleep has eluded us for the past seven years, and it seems unlikely we’ll find it anytime soon. Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight excursion, packing for our family requires a minimum of 12 bags to ensure a semblance of sanity. If something goes missing, there’s a good chance we’ll discover an extra sock, a pair of shoes, or even a forgotten sippy cup hidden in the most unexpected corners of our vehicle.
As our family expands, invitations to social gatherings have become increasingly rare; people’s tolerance for our lively bunch seems to diminish with each new addition. We stockpile enough food and toiletries to support a small army, yet within days, we find ourselves needing to restock essentials like paper towels, toilet paper, and diapers.
Meal times are often a blend of chaos, featuring someone crying, another child wiggling in their chair, or one of them breaking into an impromptu dance in the kitchen. It’s a spectrum of activity without any middle ground, and that’s our reality for 23 hours a day, six and a half days a week.
You’ll usually find me dashing around, nursing a baby in one arm while trying to wrangle two toddlers with my free hand, all while another child calls from a different room. The dog is barking, someone’s knocking at the door, the phone is ringing, and the smoke alarm is blaring from my latest culinary adventure. You read about this kind of family in stories or see them in movies, but yes, we’re living it.
Our bed is far too small for the entire family, as no one prefers to sleep alone. Snack time appears to happen nonstop throughout the day, leading others to believe our children haven’t eaten in ages. With kids aged six and under, I shudder to think about feeding them as teenagers.
I unapologetically look forward to pizza night every Friday, and I cherish our paper plates more than any fine dinnerware we possess. We work hard and play hard, arguing fiercely but loving even more deeply. Yes, we are that family—the wonderfully chaotic one I’ve envisioned for most of my life.
To be candid, I wouldn’t change a thing. We’re a bit unhinged, utterly exhausted, and head-over-heels in love with the delightful madness of our family.
So, the next time you encounter eye rolls, hushed whispers meant for your ears, or if you feel your family is completely out of the ordinary, take heart; you might just be doing something right. For more insights on family dynamics, consider checking out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination from Healthline. And if you’re interested in self-insemination methods, Make a Mom offers an excellent overview, along with information on their at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit.
In summary, being part of a large family certainly comes with its unique set of challenges and quirks, but the love shared within that chaos makes it all worthwhile.
Keyphrase: Embracing Family Chaos
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