Life in a large family is an adventure full of love, laughter, and… chaos. With many family members under one roof, daily life is often turbulent, and the challenges range from time management to household organisation to financial decisions. However, with the right strategies and a good dose of calm, even a large family can create structure and harmony. This article explains how parents can organise everyday life in a large family stress-free.
1. Joint Planning: The Key to an Organised Daily Life
In a large family, everyone must work together. Good planning helps reduce stress and keep things under control.
Practical Tips:
- Family calendar: Keep a central calendar for all family members – whether digital or analogue. Use it to record appointments, leisure activities, and important reminders.
- Weekly planning: Plan the week. Set fixed times for meals, homework, hobbies, and family time.
- Daily check-ins: Start the day with a short family meeting. Discuss who will handle which tasks and which appointments are coming up.
“Organising a large family is like conducting an orchestra – everyone plays a role, and only together can harmony be achieved.”
2. Divide Tasks: Everyone Helps Out
In a large family, one person can’t do everything alone. That’s why everyone – including the children – needs to take responsibility.
Practical Tips:
- Age-appropriate tasks: Younger children can help set the table, while older siblings can do the shopping or look after younger siblings.
- Task schedule: Create a weekly household plan where tasks are clearly distributed. Rotating responsibilities keeps things interesting.
- Reward system: Motivate the children with small rewards or praise for completed tasks.
“In a large family, you learn early on that teamwork is not just important but indispensable.”
3. Time Management: Structure for Daily Life
Punctuality and a well-organised daily routine are essential for mastering life in a large family.
Practical Tips:
- Establish routines: Fixed times for sleeping, eating, and homework create structure and provide security.
- Plan buffer times: Always schedule some extra time for appointments or activities to avoid stress.
- Avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to stay efficient and avoid mistakes.
“Time is the most valuable asset in a large family. Those who plan it well gain precious moments for togetherness.”
4. Finances: Saving Together
A large family also brings larger financial challenges. However, with a few simple tricks, the household budget can be eased.
Practical Tips:
- Plan shopping trips: Create a weekly meal plan and shop accordingly to avoid impulse purchases.
- Use second-hand items: Clothes, toys, and furniture can often be bought or exchanged second-hand.
- Keep a family budget: Track income and expenses and prioritise for larger purchases.
Note from the author: As the youngest of nine children, I didn’t get new shoes, trousers, shirts, etc., until I was 14. That was a given for me. We also didn’t go on holidays outside the four walls. My father was a notary, yet we couldn’t afford many things. None of us ever complained!
“Feeding and providing for a large family requires creativity and a good sense of priorities.”
5. Time for Family: Don’t Forget What’s Most Important
With all the organisation, one thing should not be neglected: spending time together as a family. It’s the reason why all the effort is worth it.
Practical Tips:
- Shared rituals: Whether it’s a weekly game night or breakfast together on weekends – rituals strengthen family bonds.
- Technology-free times: Set times when all screens are turned off, and the family becomes the focus.
- Celebrate successes: Whether it’s a completed school project or a tidy room – celebrate small and big achievements together.
“The greatest gift of a large family is the time spent together.”
Conclusion
Life in a large family is colourful, lively, and sometimes chaotic. But with good organisation, clear agreements, and strong teamwork, daily life can be stress-free and harmonious. The challenges are big, but the joy and love that a large family brings are even greater.
Reflection Questions
- How well is our family’s daily life currently organised, and which areas could be relieved through better planning?
(Guidance: Identify weaknesses in time and task management.)
- To what extent do all family members – including the children – take responsibility, and how could task distribution be made fairer?
(Guidance: Strengthen teamwork and individual responsibility in the family.)
- What rituals or shared activities could we introduce to further strengthen the bond within our family?
(Guidance: Improve the quality of shared time.)
Your Opinion?
Author
Dr. Karl-Maria de Molina
CEO & Co-Founder ThinkSimple.io
Project Manager and Chairman of Family Valued
More Information in the book: https://backup.hellas-media.gr/en/renaissance-der-familie-2/
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