Juggling Multiple Kids: What to Do when You're Outnumbered!

When dealing with multiple kids, you often feel outnumbered. Well, at least I do. I find myself often at a loss for how to deal with my kids when they all start wanting or needing something at once, or if they're all acting up! No one told me that motherhood doesn't become easier the more children you have, it makes parenting more complicated.

Each child has different wants and needs, one may require more attention than the other, and yes, the kids will "gang up" on Mom or Dad. This makes parenting extremely difficult if you have multiple kids, you might even find that your children will choose "partners" of one of the others, and become "partners in crime." Yes, parenting multiple kids is a challenge, I'm learning this first-hand!

My children often tag-team me, and I find myself grumbling under my breath about motherhood being "for the birds!" Of course, I'd not trade it for anything- but, sometimes I wonder if there's a better way to become organized and learn to juggle multiple kids with finesse. Unfortunately, if there's a real solution, I've not found it.

Stay organized- this can't be stressed enough- but expect the unexpected! Motherhood is full of the "unexpected," and yet, some things are so predictable that it's scary! For example, I know that no matter how many times I remind my children to "go pee" before we leave the house- it's inevitable that 5 minutes down the road, I'll hear the words "Mommy, I have to go potty!"

And child-proofing, that's another thing that isn't exactly the way it sounds, and never goes the way you expect or plan!

No matter how many times you hide the crayons and markers, your younger children will find them and decorate the walls- either that, or your older children will "help" the younger ones get them. I would know, my children's rooms have plenty of crayon "art," all drawn within two days of me "hiding the crayons." Yes, even when put where I can't reach them- the kids will find crayons and scissors!

Taking multiple children out in public has its own set of problems. I am constantly bombarded with the "I wants" when in a store, or trying to make one child hold another's hand and hearing one of them scream "But I don't like him/her!" Sometimes juggling multiple kids out in public- well, it's like "herding cats."

Motherhood is difficult when you're trying to juggle multiple children, and it definitely makes the parenting adventure more interesting. But there's a silver lining to this cloud, most children from larger families grow to be caring, considerate adults, and usually are unselfish. So, while I'm not as organized as I'd like, and I feel like pulling my hair out on some days- I know it's all worth it in the end.

So what if my home doesn't look like a show-place? Who cares if I barely can match everyone's clothes and make sure they're all cleaned and pressed perfectly? The joy outweighs the stress and chaos any day of the week!