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 Lucy's family.

What is something strangers comment on that bothers you? 

Oh wow. You have your hands full!

What is your favorite comment from strangers? 

You have such a beautiful family!

What would your kids say is the question they get asked the most from strangers?

Do you like having that many brothers and sisters?

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

Two words... The laundry.
 

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

Watching my older kids want to help with their younger siblings.

What do you wish more people understood about your family?

It's not always as chaotic as it (often) may look.

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

Just go for it. Kids are amazing little humans that bring so much joy.

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?

Super important. But easily attainable when you take little moments out of the day focusing on just one of them it makes all the difference. Talking to one of them about a video game they really enjoy. Singing a song with another. Teaching one of them how to cook an egg. Doing things like that show them that they are all equally important.

How do you find time for yourself? Time for your partner?

I make sure to go out to dinner or coffee with a friend/s as often as I can. It usually ends up being about once a month. My husband and I enjoy catching up and watching something on television after the kids are in bed. Or maybe catching a movie every once in a while, if we can find a sitter.

How do you find time to get everything done?

I don't. It's something I've had to come to terms with. Sometimes the laundry isn't done till the weekend, or the kids missed their baths and have to get them in the next day instead. It happens and that's just how our life works right now.

What household chore do you dread the most?

Cleaning the bathrooms.

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

Entertaining

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

Helping the newest little get used to our crazy schedule.

What food item are you constantly running out of?

Bread and peanut butter!

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

3, 10

My kids always argue over _______.

Whose turn it is to pick the show.

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

60 minutes

When my kids ______ it makes me so happy!

Are laughing together

At the end of the day, I usually feel _______.

Exhausted but happy

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