We’ve all seen the headlines lately of celebrity couples of multiples who are dealing with the demands of raising a houseful of same-age or close-in-age siblings. Balancing the care of multiple toddlers with the demands of everyday life can take a toll on the most patient of parents. Household organization, quiet time away from the kids, planning family activities and having a good sense of humor will help carry parents through these fun but crazy times.
Household Organization and Routines Important When Raising Kids Born Close in Age
A clean and organized house with everything in a place will save everyone from having to search for missing items. Houses don’t fill with clutter overnight, and they won’t be clutter-free any faster, but if the family concentrates and spends a specific period of time every day sorting, donating and tossing unnecessary items, it’ll be easier for each family member to find what they need. Assign a place for everything and work as a family to put things back in that place when the item is no longer needed.
Routines also help all family members know what to expect on a daily basis. Small children especially thrive on routine and predictability. Though these daily routines don’t have to be set in stone – and the most successful routines are usually the ones with a little bit of flexibility involved – it helps smooth transitions from one activity to another. Some of the items that might be scheduled in are meal prep time, meals, naps, cleaning, work, bedtime, etc.
Quality Time as a Couple and as Individuals
Parents need time away from the kids in order to stay close as a couple and they need time alone so they can pursue hobbies and interests that refresh and encourage them. Over-tired parents who don’t ever get away can burn out and face frustration. The time away can be as simple as a walk on the beach, a visit to a local library or a trip to a bookstore.
If money is tight, consider trading childcare with a family member or friend. Enlist the aid of grandparents or an older couple from the neighborhood or from church who might like a kid-fix while blessing you with a break. Many families are separated by long distances these days and grandparents who are missing their faraway grandkids might jump at the chance to borrow someone else’s for a few hours.
Family Activities Create Quality Time
Spending time as a family both at home and away can help enhance the overall feeling of relaxation. When everyone is busy working and going in different directions, no one feels connected. Spend family time on a daily basis and do activities like reading, taking a walk, or playing in the backyard.
Though it’s hard to predict how a day will turn out and chaos oftentimes overrules the best of plans, a parent of multiples can simplify their life by having a basic routine in place. If the household is organized and the parents take time to get away and refresh as a couple and as individuals, the routine and unexpected will be easier to deal with on a daily basis.
Paige Dooly - Paige Dooly is the author of nineteen books and novellas and has written and published over 200 articles. As a homeschooling mother of ...
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