When my 4th baby was born, my oldest was 6.
At one point I had 4 kids, 6 and under. It was tough to say the least. There were days I would hide in my bathroom just to get some solitude.
I might have cried in there a time or two. So, to all you mamas with all littles, I get it. I know the struggle.
I know what it’s like to take all 4 littles to the grocery store and try to juggle the carseat, the toddler, and fitting all your groceries in the buggy with the carseat and the toddler in it. Not to mention your other kids who need you too.
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I also know what it’s like to have all of them needing something from you at the same time. Maybe you have one on the pot, one needing a drink, one needing to eat, and one with a diaper change
But I’m here to tell you, IT GETS EASIER.
After I had my 1st baby, breastfeeding was so hard. It hurt so much! Two weeks into it a friend called to ask me how it was going.
My reply was, “I don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s too hard.” What she said to me has stuck with me for 10 years.
She said, “It gets easier. Give it another week and it won’t be so bad. I promise.” You know what? She was right. The next week was so much easier than those first two, and the week after that was a breeze.
Remember Those Words For Yourself. “It Gets Easier.”
Every day they get older and are going to be able to do more and more for themselves. It’s hard to see it right now.
However, this time next year you will catch one of your children doing something for themselves that you thought they would never be able to do.
Your oldest kids will come of an age where they will be able to help your littlest get a drink or tie their shoes. They will one day be able to help you with chores or take themselves to the bathroom. One day your kids will be able to make their own lunch. Gasp!
All of our kids are able to work with us now.
When That Time Comes. LET THEM DO IT.
Let them help themselves and be independent. I see so many moms do things for their kids that they can do for themselves. This is holding them back.
Trust me, I don’t want my babies to grow up. I get teary eyed just thinking about it. But you’re setting yourselves up for even bigger problems down the road if you don’t do this now.
10 Things a Child Under 5 Can Do
1. Pick up their toys and put them away
2. Wipe down the bathroom cabinet
3. Clean their plate off the table
4. If they are potty trained take themselves to the bathroom ( you may need to wipe them for a while yet )
5. Wipe off the kitchen table
6. Pick out their clothes and dress themselves
7. Undress themselves
8. Get a drink ( make this possible with a cup on the cabinet and a stool )
9. Fetch items for you
10. Put up silverware out of the dishwasher
“The Days Seem Long, But the Years are Short”
“Enjoy them now because they aren’t little long”. I’ve always been told these things. I never discounted these sayings but I’m understanding them more and more by the day.
My oldest is now 10. He’s growing into a young man. As much as my heart sings to see this, it also breaks into a million pieces.
Mamas with all littles, these days of struggle and survival will pass and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. There will come a day, very soon, that you will get to enjoy everything about it. Until then, take the little moments of contentment and peace and treasure them.
Store them up in your heart for future memories because I hear that we’re going to need them in the teenage years!
Good luck with those teen years,
This was such an encouraging post for big families. We have five girls and we had them back to back with the exception of our youngest. You have made some great points and provided some great tips!
Thank you. That’s great to hear! I’m so glad you stopped by.