Bring Back Big Families

Running the May Marathon

May is a parenting marathon, and I’m already out of breath. This past Monday morning, while mentally juggling how to get to my son’s baseball game and how to get my daughter to the same game from musical practice, I caught a radio segment during my commute (usually my prayer time with God). A survey called May the worst month for parents, citing Mother’s Day, end-of-school programs, graduations, summer camp planning, and more. And honestly? I get it. We’ve been running ragged since May began, with field trips to prep for, awards ceremonies, dance recitals, baseball games and practices, and a nephew’s birthday I forgot in the chaos. I haven’t sat on my couch in so long, I forgot what it feels like.

I’m exhausted, and it’s only May 14th. Seventeen days to go.

The Hidden Beauty in the Chaos

I totally understand why parents voted May the worst month. It’s a long one, stretched even longer by endless to-dos. But as I collapsed into bed last night, I started to see something else in May’s madness—a fleeting beauty. Take last week: my son playing baseball, grinning ear to ear as I cheered from first base; my daughter’s dance recital, her as graceful and beautiful as her mom; and Mother’s Day, celebrating the woman who keeps us all sane and together (see: Mother’s Day Tribute). Those moments, chaotic as they are, are what make May special.

I’m a realist, not some eternal optimist. I get frustrated by the chaos like anyone else. But I do also try to soak it in, knowing a day will come when I won’t have baseball practices to help with, musical and dance rehearsals to shuttle someone to, or middle school dances to prep for. It’s tough to imagine those quieter days, and while I’ll love the chance to relax instead of dodging May’s dumpster fires, it’ll be bittersweet. The chaos will be replaced by deafening silence.

Your May Challenge

So, parents, here’s my challenge: if May feels like the worst month for you, remember that it might be the one you miss most when your kids are grown. Sure, you might have grandkids to keep you busy one day, but it will never be the same. Embrace the madness while it’s here. Even when you’re drowning in schedules, these moments will become the memories you’ll cherish most.

Share your May chaos below—what’s the craziest moment you’ve had this month? And hop on X to spread the word with #MayParenting and tag me @BigFamiliesFTW. Let’s remind each other to savor the wild ride of May.