Ask a mother of 14 continued

Question/ comment: Barbara; I adore this thread! It is so awesome to read and see how you make it work! It gives me so much inspiration!!

Answer: :)Thanks! For everyone:Another thing I have learned is that every home is different. Dad's desires are different. Mom's are different. Each child brings in a new personality. Do not compare yourself with another wife or mom. She does not have the same people in her family as you do in yours. So your way of doing things needs to suit YOUR family. There is no "right" way.

The home needs to be clean enough to be healthy and stress free. Clutter is a big enemy, because it brings with it stress. But THINGS may not be. Each family has things they enjoy. It is what is right for them. We love books. I have bookshelves in every room. If you think books are a clutter- you would find those shelves a pet peeve. My family is not into sports, so your sport equipment would bug me- but it is perfect for a family who plays sports several times a week.So take stock of YOUR family. What makes you tick? Those are the things to keep. Throw out the rest and get that house under control. Less house work makes more TIME! If no school gets done for a week, but you clean out your house- it is time well spent! Sell your extras, or give them to Goodwill.

Then train those kids to help. The time you spend training will come back to you someday. Don't wait until they are old enough to do a job to start either- because by then they think the housework is YOUR job. They will resent being dumped on. If they have always worked WITH YOU, then it is only natural that they will work without you when they are old enough to do a job alone. You hold baby's hand to walk when they are first learning- but a 10 year old does not hold your hand to walk anymore. Same thing.

And please, please, please let your home and kids show your personality to the world. Cookie cutter mom's are not very appealing! God made you, with your gifts, because he knew what kids you would get! He knew what they would need in a mom- and YOU ARE IT. Be confident in your abilities! Makes no difference if you have one or a dozen, birthed or adopted.YOU are the right lady for the job! Hugs, Barbara