Parenting a Big Family

Parenting five kids and a dog may sound like a circus act at times, but it’s a journey filled with laughter, chaos, and love in its purest form. Each of my children, from the lively twin girls who are 7, to my 8-year-old daughter, my almost-16-year-old girl, and my 18-year-old son, brings a unique energy to our family dynamic. And let’s not forget the dog, whose antics somehow keep us on our toes just as much as the kids!

The daily balancing act is a constant reminder that no day is ever the same. Some mornings are a rush to get everyone fed and out the door, while other moments are spent enjoying spontaneous dance parties in the living room or quiet conversations about life and dreams. There’s always something happening, and the range of ages means there’s never a dull moment.

One of the beautiful things about having kids at different stages is watching the older ones mentor the younger ones. My son, being the eldest, has developed a special bond with his sisters—whether it’s helping with homework, sharing advice, or just offering a listening ear. Meanwhile, my almost-16-year-old daughter is at that pivotal age where she's starting to understand the balance between independence and staying connected to her roots.

With twins, you get the joy of watching not just two individuals grow, but two personalities developing side by side. It’s like having a built-in best friend for each of them, but also a built-in set of challenges! And then there’s my 8-year-old—sweet, energetic, and full of questions about the world. She’s a spark in the middle of our busy lives, always keeping us on our toes with her curiosity.

And, of course, the dog. It’s impossible to forget how much love and joy he brings to our family. Whether he's begging for attention, playing in the yard, or curling up with us during movie nights, he’s the heart of our home in ways that words can’t always capture.

Parenting these five kids and a dog is an ever-evolving adventure. It’s not without its challenges—there are sleepless nights, arguments, missed events, and the occasional mess—but it’s also a life rich with moments of connection, growth, and shared experiences. The chaos of it all? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Through it all, I’ve learned that the key is flexibility, patience, and remembering that, even in the busiest moments, the love we share as a family is what holds us together. And at the end of the day, that’s what makes this wild ride worth every second.