During this blog series, three local parents: Gretchen, Michelle, & Lucy, share the joys and challenges of raising 5 children. From what chore they dread the most, to the food item they are constantly running out of, take a peek into life with 5 kids!

Today we're featuring Gretchen's family.

What is something strangers comment on that bothers you? 

Do they all have the same father? Did you plan twins? Are the twins real? Don't you know by now how that happens?

What is your favorite comment from strangers? 

Such a blessing. They are beautiful.

What would your kids say you hear most often from strangers? 

Wow you have your hands full.

What's the most challenging thing about having 5 children? 

The endless need. Someone always needs something. A snack, help, solving an argument, kissing a boo-boo etc.

What's the most rewarding thing about having 5 children? 

The love they share with each other. They are helpful and enjoy each other. It is fun to see the different combinations that connect depending on activities.

What do you wish more people understood about your family? 

Just because I arrive with force doesn't mean we are out of control. My kids are kind and respectful and well mannered. People seem to negatively judge us on how many children we have and not take time to see the amazing individual people my kids are.

What advice would you give to someone planning on having several children? 

Each child is very different and deserves to be respected and treated like an individual.

How important is it for you to spend one-on-one time with each child? How often are you able to make that a reality? 

My husband and I value one on one time. You really get to see the amazing personalities of each child. We would love more one on one time but take what we can. Even running an errand like a trip to the grocery store can be fun to take just one child and spend that time with just them. We do try to do one or two outings a year with each child. More often we split girls and boys for special days. For example I am taking the 3 boys to a professional football game while my husband has time with the twin girls.

How do you find time to get everything done?

I don't. That's ok! I do what I can when I can. My husband helps a lot when he's home and the kids are asked to help keep their rooms clean and help with little jobs. My 10 year old can even make eggs and sausage if I ask him to. We try to be a community that works together and helps each other. No one has a job. We all work together.

What household chore do you dread the most? 

Cleaning bathrooms

If you had to describe your family using 1 word, what would it be? 

Energized

What's the most challenging thing about adding a new baby to the family? 

We added twins so there were challenges x2. Having enough individual time to meet everyone's needs is always a challenge.

What food item are you constantly running out of? 

Eggs, cheese, fruit snacks- everything

Finish this sentence: If you can manage _____ (#) kids, you can manage _____ kids. 

2, 10

My kids always argue over  _______. 

Electronics, mainly what movie to watch in the van.

On a typical school/work/busy day, it takes me ______ (minutes, hours, years) to get my kids ready for the day. 

15 minutes and a lot is yelling (in the words of my husband)

When my kids ______ it makes me so happy! 

Are fed, clean and full

Read about Michelle's family here.
Read about Lucy's family here.