No need to purchase a haz-mat suit. We all know it can seem overwhelming at times, but you will survive. You must not be afraid of visiting friends and family who have many kids.
In fact, you might even learn a thing or two from your stay, no matter its length.
In order to assist you in making the most of your decision to visit friends and family, let me suggest these four tips to keep in mind. If you have these expectations, it will only help you make sense of what you are witnessing.
1. It’s a Given at Least One Child Will Be Crying at All Times
You’re grown up now, so you probably do not remember. But as a child, you had a heightened radar detector for fairness. It was your sixth sense. Any perceived injustice earned your tears. And you sought an immediate remedy from the closest authority in charge (i.e., your parents).
This is the mindset of most little kids you may run into. And if you are visiting a large family, then there are likely several little kids there.
Inevitably, at least one of them will be crying for mom or dad. This may even interrupt your conversation. Please, extend some patience. You were once that little too.
2. If You Offer to Wash the Dishes, You’ll Be a Hero
With numerous family members all sharing the same rooftop, chores are going to be aplenty. Laundry will need to be done daily. The dishwasher probably will get at least two cycles each day. And though there are plenty of available hands to help, somehow the dog’s food dish will remain empty for half the day.
That is why a large family serves as a wonderful tutor for adulthood. Given how well “socially adjusted” those kids turned out, I guess you won’t be seeing any of them on any early-afternoon daytime talk shows!
Given all the hustle and bustle, the large family would sure be appreciative if you offered to do a chore for them. Helping the three-year-old put away his folded clothes or mopping the dining room would go a long way.
Don’t feel obligated. But if you feel up to it, your reward will be many thanks from your hosts.
3. Don’t Be Surprised How Well “Socially Adjusted” All Those Kids Become
Okay, maybe the toddlers are not perfect little angels, I will grant that. But I bet if you stopped to think about it, you would be impressed with the older children of a large family.
They have years of experience in learning to share their belongings, assisting one another in need, and simply not getting their way all the time.
That is why a large family serves as a wonderful tutor for adulthood. Given how well “socially adjusted” those kids turned out, I guess you won’t be seeing any of them on any early-afternoon daytime talk shows!
4. You Won’t Be Able to Deny How Much Love is in the House
After spending some time at a house with a big family, I am confident you will not be able to deny the great love being displayed. Family members talking to each other. Family members actually enjoying, not merely tolerating, each other’s company. Who knew such things were possible?
Many laughs are shared. Many tears are followed by big hugs. It’s just a beautiful sight.
It almost makes you wish you were a part of it all, doesn’t it?
YOUR TURN
Okay, recently my dear readers did a wonderful job adding benefits to having a large family that I did not list.
This time, I invite you all to add more tips to mine for those visiting friends and family with many children.
What would you ask of them, as you host their visit?
Please let us know below!
