Firstly, remember that in a house of five children, someone is probably going to be around and so you need to set a wellness example by living in a way that you want your children to emulate. Work on your personal wellbeing by developing an attitude of respect, honesty, friendliness and generosity to others. This will encourage your children to do the same, which you’ll be especially grateful for when you or your partner is under pressure and taking care of the family falls solely on your shoulders.
Also, set a schedule and guidelines for acceptable family behaviour, to organise your mob of loved ones. Start a rota for looking after pets, as well as wiping and washing up, and be prepared to reward those who stick to it over those who don’t. However, though it’s tempting to get them pitching in as much as possible, as soon as possible, don’t encourage your children to grow up too quickly, but let them get a sure base of confidence and self-knowledge before they go onto other things. In fact, try to slow down the process of growing up as much as possible. You know that childhood doesn’t last forever, so make sure your kids get every minute of it that they can.
Finally, you need a certain amount of order and planning, especially at weekends, if there are various football matches, hockey, netball, dancing and drama classes, guides, scouts and brownies, and music lessons going on, as well as family outings. Make sure that sitting down to eat together is part of your routine at least once a day so you don’t miss seeing each other, and leave the TV switched off so you’re really spending time together. Love is best shown through time, and spending time together is crucial in the formation of a happy and contented family.