I'm so grateful for my children, all 4 of them. I would be grateful for more too - there is simply nothing more important, challenging, joyful and priveleged as raising children.
You know there's a but coming. Sometimes when I see what other parents of smaller families are able to provide for their children it leaves me wondering. Would my children be happier with their own playroom? Their own bedrooms? Brand new clothes instead of second hand or op shopped? Fancier foods? The list could go on.
But then I remember what my children have taught me about life and about them. That they need love. Lots of it. Attention, lots of that too. Positive interaction. And God takes care of the rest, so that we always have what we need but not always what we want.
The fact that the children are constantly asking me when their next sibling might appear and that they are all each other's best friends confirms that a large family is a good thing for us and that our children do not want for anything.
Thanks be to God.
11 comments:
I don't think there is much that you can give a child that is better than a sibling.
You know, the world speaks so loudly, that sometimes we get sucked into the "if only...". We want a better life for our children, but in what way? Materials, or a sense of God's love and self worth?
I love this post! You are so blessed to have a large family!
Hubby and I wanted a six-pack (lol), but we were blessed with three (two more than the doc recommended) and another in heaven.
There is a truth in what you say here. All children really need is love from their parents and siblings. Everything else is just fluff...
I think the strength of a large family dampens the voice of the world too. Just my thoughts. ; )
Lotus
Neither my hubby or I are particularly close to our siblings. But it is something that I really wish for in my kids. So that they always have someone there for them, come what may. They can offer support and an understanding that is different from us parents can.
A lovely post. There are times when I think it would be easier not to have had so many children. And then I see how much they get from being part of a larger family. To operate as a big family everyone needs to pull their weight and work as a team. There is just too much work for one person. I like the kids all help without being asked. I like they are compassionate to their siblings (most of the time). If someone is hurting their is always someone around to offer a cuddle.
Certainly happy i have a large family but i never judge others, you have no idea if they can't have more children, if they lost some, so many reasons. All that material stuff, doesn't beat love & home cooking. I do dress my children in designer clothes, that's my thing, i love fashion, but they don't have any electronic gadgets of trendy toys, they've never even asked. They would rather play with each other, run around & have fun, than their head in some tiny square with ear phones.
Time is the most important thing, sure the lady next to you in the supermarket might have a full trolley of branded goods & a European car, huge home with a cleaner, but they are just things. Happiness, love & good manners are all free & you can't buy them!! Love Posie
that is a lovely picture, please tell me what or who were you all waiting for?
Love far outweighs anything else. I am currently having issues with my second youngest and I never thought having a new sibling would have such a profound affect on him. His behaviour has turned our world upside down and although it is draining it has made me realise just how much love our kids really need. When i want to get mad I have to remember to love. No new toy, new outfit or fancy holiday can beat love.
How blessed we are to have four children. Thanks for sharing.
Clo - on Christmas eve each year a local fire truck comes around with a dressed up Santa Claus and bags of lollies for the children. That's what we were waiting for!
Such a thoughtful post Kel and so right! I grew up in a family of four and being on a farm money was sometimes tight. I look back now and I think how much I learned through sharing a room, having a second hand bike, having a birthday party every few years ... sometimes learning to do without makes you appreciate and value the "real" things; relationships, family, the natural world...Enjoy your big family and cherish the way you are bringing them up :)
I love the pretty, bright skirts your girlies are wearing in the header! Your children are blessed to have a thoughtful, loving mama. :)
You are a brave lady. I have 2 and 1 on the way and i'm a smidge terrified. Not about doing without--that is how I grew up and cherish that experience. It's the one on one time, the intimate time that I hope we always make time for with each one. It's the possible overlooking the magnificence of each individual that scares me...ultimately I know that's avoidable, but alas...
Let's put it simple : I'm an only child and although I never got "bored" I would have been very happy with a large family & siblings, especially when I had lost ALL the very few relatives I had at the age of 32.
And I would have loved to be able to have more than one daughter. ven if that would have meant she has to share her room !
so congratulations on your 4 children I'm sure everybody is fine to have lots of love to share !
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