In my large family birthdays post, I alluded to the fact that we adopted a large family mentality long before we were a large family.  That fact alone, revolutionized our home life.  Ever since then, I’ve found it important to tell other families how acting like a large family even when they are not can make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Why I adopted a large family mentality:
It happened simply because I began to desire a large family.  Because of this desire, I began frequenting large family sites on the internet and the real-life homes of people who had large families.  I observed.  I asked questions.  I mimicked.

What happened when I adopted a large family mentality?:
My husband was deployed at the time, so the most obvious difference was that my day was much more streamlined and easier to manage.  The second thing I noticed was that my children were happier.  I also realized I was more content as well.

Where did I start?:
I started with a Bath Routine.  It was a simple place to start and easy to implement.  I’ve been using the same bathing schedule for 8 years now!

What types of large family things can a small family implement?:
Just about anything!  I’d encourage your to peruse the Large Family Living section of this blog, and also consider these things…

• Share bedrooms
  Large families do this because they have to, but it builds such camaraderie between siblings, I suggest it to everyone.

• Color Code
  I shared on Wednesday how we color code our children.  This is something that will build efficiency in any size household.

• Give the Children Chores
  Require work from them.  This builds responsibility and character and teaches them that a household is held together by the entire family and not just one person.  Here is an age appropriate chore list to get you started.

• Streamline Everything!
  Laundry, Shopping, Cooking, Entertaining, School, Traveling, EVERYTHING!  The more efficient you become, the more time you have for your family.

• See Them as Blessings
  It is nearly impossible to accept God’s leading in your family size and not see your children as blessings.  Start enjoying them for who God made them to be.  Revel in their crooked smiles and open-mouthed kisses.  See them as God sees them…not as something you must do for the next 18 years, but as someone you’ve been blessed with for an eternity.  When God says they are a reward, believe Him!