Coming From a Large Family Really Stinks, Huh?
Sometimes I get questions from 'concerned' adults regarding the amount of love my children receive or the quantity of quality time we are able to dispense to each of them. Sometime these 'concerned' adults are from our own families-- and they know our kids! They've seen the balance, the wisdom, the confidence and sense of security present in their lives and have even witnessed the comments of complete strangers regarding the same. I can only guess that those most concerned did not receive the proper amounts of either from their imperfect parents-- and so I must assure you that we will also fail in this area as well, since we are far from perfect ourselves. The fact of the matter is that whether you have a single child or a whole quiver full, if you truly love your children, then the times and the opportunities will present themselves in the natural course and events of life. Our kids get loved all day long! From cuddling on the couch or an early morning bottle to homeschool lessons in the kitchen; From the drive to basketball practice and swim lessons to lunch outside on the swingset; From bath time and story time to dinner every night as a family; From helping make muffins and helping set the table to late night card games-- there are endless opportunities to love each and every one. There's also time to get out a little bit of aggression too!
Sometimes I get questions from 'concerned' adults regarding the amount of love my children receive or the quantity of quality time we are able to dispense to each of them. Sometime these 'concerned' adults are from our own families-- and they know our kids! They've seen the balance, the wisdom, the confidence and sense of security present in their lives and have even witnessed the comments of complete strangers regarding the same. I can only guess that those most concerned did not receive the proper amounts of either from their imperfect parents-- and so I must assure you that we will also fail in this area as well, since we are far from perfect ourselves. The fact of the matter is that whether you have a single child or a whole quiver full, if you truly love your children, then the times and the opportunities will present themselves in the natural course and events of life. Our kids get loved all day long! From cuddling on the couch or an early morning bottle to homeschool lessons in the kitchen; From the drive to basketball practice and swim lessons to lunch outside on the swingset; From bath time and story time to dinner every night as a family; From helping make muffins and helping set the table to late night card games-- there are endless opportunities to love each and every one. There's also time to get out a little bit of aggression too!
9 comments:
Ya know what I think?? People have some strange ways of dealing with their own guilt or inner conflicts, and one of them is to cast dispersions on others who are seemingly happy, successful, balanced, etc... It can't be that they are wrong, or missing out on something themselves, it has to be the other people with the problem. I have some people like that in my family, and I have even found that some of it is rooted in jealousy.
Sad, but true.
So ya know what I do? LOVE 'EM TO DEATH, ANYWAY!! Show them Christ, and ask Him to help them deal with their issues, and stop the negative comments to us. When you have the truth on your side, none of what they say really matters.
I'm sure you are doing a great job, and the only perfect parent is God, and as His children we still mess up...even though He is the perfect parent!!
May He richly bless you and your family, and help these loved ones see Him, and not speak unless it is positive.
Blessings and joy to you!!
Becky
Happy week to you....
I love that wrestling pic and the cutie with the strawberries!!!
My newest surprise will have a strawberry theme....I love Vintage strawberry decor :)
OH...I tell you. I would have a hard time about anyone even HINTING that you can't devote enough time, attention or love to your kids. But, you can tell them this: You don't divide your love between children, YOU MULTIPLY IT! Your kids also have the love for EACH OTHER to their advantage..sibling to sibling bonds are strong and important, too! Ask me, I'm one of NINE. And, no, we didn't have perfect parents but I'm glad I was put on the earth to enjoy life and I'm glad my mom had all of us!
Some people are too busy minding everyone else's business.... they should tend to their own! I have found that those who are so busy telling "us" what to do should clean their own closets before they try to clean others!!
What I wouldn't have given to have had 5 or 6 more healthy children!!
You are a very lucky lady....
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo
Oh, my goodness, Wendy. I've never even met you and it's obvious to me what terrific parents you and your husband are and what a loving home you have. In every picture you post of your children they are happy and smiling. I'm sure the people with concerns mean well, but maybe they haven't thought about this - maybe you and your husband ARE equipped to parent a larger number of children efficiently and maybe they are NOT. God gives each of us different gifts and abilities. One of your greatest gifts is mothering a growing number of sweet kiddos! That's wonderful! Maybe your children will grow up to be incredible gifts to the world as scientists, teachers, doctors...or maybe they will simply guide their own children to be productive human beings - or best of all, winners of many souls for God. Just let the comments roll off your back and enjoy your sweet little brood!
xo...Kathy
Never let anyone tell you that children from big families are in anyway deprived of attention and love. I have a dear friend who has 11 children ranging in age from 2 to 18 who never lack for attention from their parents, who are very well loved and they also happen to be some of the most well behaved children I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
You guys go! I have a soft heart for big families, as I have one too :)!
I always thought when I was still a tiny bity child that large families always have fun :-) I only have one sibling. But we have lots of play mates!
Just read a great quote:
Some one said you couldn't possibly have enough love and time for seven children.
Someone obviously didn't have seven children:)
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