Bring Back Big Families

Everything I’ve written about so far has been fairly positive. And that’s been purposefully done, because there are so many positives to highlight from life with a bunch of kids.

But one thing that is ever present is the stress that comes with it. It is hard to adequately sum up just how stressful raising five kids actually is. One of the things most people say to us (besides the knowing how all of this works bit) is that we must be saints because there is no way they could handle five kids. And, admittedly, yes, yes, we are saints.

I kid. We are not. Not even close.

The fact is, I spend most days in a state of relative exhaustion. Teaching drains me—mentally juggling lesson plans, dodging principal walk-ins, and managing 130 teenagers while pretending I’ve got it all together.

Then I get home, and the chaos shifts gears—five kids unraveling from their own school days, me breaking up wrestling matches while the toddler smears ketchup on the couch. It’s relentless.

Enter our secret weapon: eating dinner at 5 p.m., like we’re auditioning for the early bird special. I get off work at 4, so I’ve usually got food on the table by 5:30 tops (check my post Seven: Food for how we feed this crew). It’s not just eating—it’s a reset. We’re all fried after school, but sitting down fast cuts the edge off before meltdowns hit. Waiting till 6 or 7? I’d rather not imagine the carnage.

Stress doesn’t vanish—five kids and a classroom guarantee that—but eating early quells it just enough. Try it. Your kids, your sanity, your spouse, and your stomach will thank you.

Now, go eat. If it’s past 5, you’re already late.