Sage advice

A good friend of mine in the Navy, C, was from a family of 9 kids. Bella is named after C. I recently emailed C's mom for some advice on keeping a family going and happy. This is what she said. It seemed good enough to post here and share with others...

I can’t tell you much about raising large families except that you have to learn to “roll with the punches.” This means don’t get too hot and bothered about what is happening today; it will more than likely be all over by tomorrow. Sit calmly and let them grow up on their own as much as possible. Don’t expect their lives or yours to be perfect; it just ain’t going to be that way. Don’t be ashamed of a messy house; there will be time to keep it clean later. And most important, don’t try to do too much. The kids don’t need to be involved in a thousand things, are better off and learn more by playing with each other than in being a part of any organized sport or activity. Don’t feel they need everything they ask for; try to keep the number of things they have to a minimum. But every once in a while, splurge and buy them something very special that they can really treasure.