Many people today believe that too many children means a case of sure neglect.

We have eight children under our roof. Being an at-home mother, I admit to feeling overwhelmed much of the time. It is a great responsibility to care for and nurture the children we've been blessed with.

However, it has been of utmost concern to us that each child is provided the level of care and love they require.

We want to be there for the children physically and emotionally. There are thousands of ways this is accomplished moment by moment and hour by hour. But here are a few things we do:

• Father "rotates" the children he takes with him on errands. One day he takes this one, the next another. Sometimes, he takes two or three at a time. But each one has Dad to him or herself at that time and can talk and laugh. Often they return from such trips with special treats they were allowed to choose for themselves, or to share.
• Father reads to the children at bedtime on the weekends. It's a treat the smaller children look forward to on his days off.
• Father plans and performs fun things to do with the children. Last week, several of them took a five hour canoe trip with him downstream together.
• Mother has the children beside her as she moves through her day. When putting laundry in the machines, the little ones enjoy helping fill and switch loads and add the soap. Cooking and baking mean many busy, active hands. Washing dishes means wet children.
• The family reads the Bible together and prays together, daily. We sing together as well. This draws us together and cements us.
• The olders and Mom like to make cards together.
• Board games are played, bubbles are blown and crafts are done together.
• All of the children are made to feel important and necessary by including them in the "running" of the household. Everyone has a part, and receives a word of appreciation for a job well done.
• Mother cares for the children according to a daily schedule. This ensures that each child has all of their grooming needs met. Baths, teeth brushed, etc...
• The house is always safe, neat and clean. This allows us room to spread out on the floor with puzzles, build train stations together, and more!
• When a child has something to say, everyone listens. Others aren't allowed to talk over the person sharing.
• There is plenty of food and clothing, and lots of room in this roof over our heads.
• Mom and Dad teach and discipline diligently.
• The two oldest and Mother have two journals they pass back and forth to share private, or just plain fun notes to one another in. The book has often been passed back with little gifts such as homemade bookmarks, notepaper, poems and suchlike in them.
• Our children are never left alone to fend for themselves. They do not walk the streets alone, loitering, nor do they have questionable friends. Mom and Dad are very careful about what influences the children so they will not choose paths, later, they will regret.
• Interests are encouraged.

The child left to himself, or allowed to be influenced by whatever may, is neglected.

I sometimes feel as though I hardly stretch. But at the end of the day, when I look over how I've spent my hours, I can honestly say my children's needs were met.

Not one of them has been neglected.

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Shared by tioga12

Thank you for sharing this. As a mother of 10 children under 15 years of age, I can fully relate. The Lord certainly has entrusted much to us, and it is often challenging to be faithful in our stewardship. But as Paul has encouraged us, we can "do all things through him who strengthens [us]." The Lord is faithful and will guide and provide so long as we look to Him.
I appreciate your posts here. For me, writing on my blog and reading others' blogs has been a way to study and adjust my own methods and priorities. It is also a bit of a support group for me as I am encouraged to see others with like values, beliefs, and concerns and how they live out their lives.
Be strong and take courage!
God Bless.
Annette

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Shared by gokings13

Carrie,
I don't think you know what I would give to have the opportunity, again, to birth as often as God sees fit.
Neglect?
Everyone has their opinion of neglect. Some think of the 'worst' first, but neglect at it's roots has nothing to do with how many children you have.
I just cannot imaging looking at someone that has more than 4-5 kids and thinking "wow, she's neglectful". That's just crazy. I just smile all over, inside and out when I see women with 6+ kids in tow.........I think "How Blessed"!!!
I love seeing family photos with kids overflowing.......
Laura

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Shared by karenhuse

I wish and truly want more. I don't see you as neglecting you are blessed. I only hope I can have the trust you do for the LORD to provided and give me as many as HE sees fit.

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Shared by momma25js

YOu are so right.. I get frustrated with people who think the worst first or think because they could not handle or take care of many children noone should.. You are doing wonderful.. Thank you for sharing...

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