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With baby #8 on the way, I’ve been getting asked a lot lately how we manage a large family, keep our home functioning, and create routines that help our days feel less overwhelming. While every family is different, I’ve found that simple systems, realistic expectations, and teamwork make a huge difference in our home.
Today I wanted to share some of the homemaking routines, household systems, and parenting habits that help our family of soon-to-be 10 run more smoothly.
Creating a Chore System for Kids
One of the biggest things that helps our home function well is that everyone contributes in age-appropriate ways. Even our youngest, at two years old, help pick up toys and participate in simple household tasks, like carrying his folded laundry to his bedroom.
Growing up, I had assigned chores that rotated weekly, and for years I used that same system in our home. Recently, though, we switched to a monthly rotation instead of weekly chores. This gives the children more time to really learn their responsibilities and gain confidence in their tasks before rotating again. It also helps the older children with tasks like cooking, to get more continuous practice.
Having chores:
- teaches responsibility
- builds teamwork
- helps children feel capable
- creates rhythms in the home
It also means that the responsibility of the home does not fall entirely on one person.
Our Laundry System for a Large Family
Laundry is one of those areas that constantly changes with the season of life you’re in.
When my children were younger, I used to do one major laundry day each week. As our family grew, that stopped working as well for us. Now we focus on doing one load of laundry every day instead.
The children help:
- switch loads
- fold clothes
- sort piles
- put away their own laundry
This system keeps laundry from piling up too much and teaches independence at the same time.
We also rotate:
- towels weekly
- bedding weekly
- kitchen towels multiple times a week
And a few times a year we deep clean things like couch cushions and curtains.
Technology Boundaries in Our Home
One thing that may be a little controversial is that our children do not have unlimited access to technology.
We do have tablets, laptops, and video games, but during the school week we keep technology very limited. Most technology time happens on weekends or for specific educational purposes like schoolwork, drawing lessons, or printable activities.
As summer approaches, we focus even more on:
- outdoor play
- family activities
- creativity
- boredom-driven imagination
I’ve noticed that children often thrive when they have space to create and play without constant entertainment.
Why Quiet Time Helps Everyone Reset
Quiet time has become one of the most helpful rhythms in our home.
Our youngest still naps, but even older children benefit from having a calm reset during the afternoon. Quiet time might include:
- Legos
- puzzles
- coloring
- crafts
- painting
- reading
- play dough
- independent play
- outside play time, weather permitting
I’ve found that when everyone has time to quietly decompress, the atmosphere of the home changes dramatically. The children play better together afterward, and everyone feels more regulated and rested.
The Biggest Homemaking Tip: Know Your Stress Triggers
One of the most important things I’ve learned as a homemaker is identifying what specifically makes the house feel stressful or overwhelming.
For me, my biggest triggers are:
- dishes piling up
- toys scattered everywhere (when no one is playing)
- unfinished messes
For my husband, one of his biggest triggers is a dirty bathroom floor; granted white tile in our main bathroom wasn’t the most practical.. but it’s pretty! 🙂
Knowing these triggers helps us stay on top of the things that most affect the feeling of our home.
Wiping down the bathroom floor only takes three minutes, but it makes the entire house feel cleaner and calmer.
And we have specific times a day we do a quick home reset, so there isn’t a huge mess at the end of the day when everyone is tired.
Simplifying Toys and Clothing
I would not consider us minimalist, especially with a large family. Once you have 8, 9, or 10 people in a home, there is simply a lot to manage. But a simplified and streamlined home is way more peaceful.
What has helped us most is simplifying two main areas, which, for us, can get out of hand and are the root of an overwhelming home:
- toys
- clothing
For toys, we use baskets and contained categories:
- Magna-Tiles
- blocks
- superheroes
- trains
Keeping only certain toys accessible at one time reduces overwhelm and cleanup.
With clothing, I’ve learned that children usually wear the same favorite outfits repeatedly. After a season change, I often wait a few weeks and then remove half the clothing they never reach for anyway.
Less clothing to sort through means:
- less mess
- easier laundry
- less frustration
- simpler mornings
Why Family Meal Times Matter So Much
One thing we prioritize in our family is sitting down together for meals.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are important rhythms in our home. Sometimes we are rushed, imperfect, or juggling a lot, but eating together creates opportunities for:
- conversation
- connection
- manners
- gratitude
- relationship building
Some of my favorite moments are simply listening to the children talk with one another around the table. A few times a week at lunch we often listen to an audiobook from the library using this cute, retro-looking Bluetooth speaker. (I love cute, multi-functional decor!)
Family meals do not have to be fancy to be meaningful.
Working Together as a Family
One thing I hope our children learn is that family life works best when everyone helps each other.
Whether we are:
- working outside
- cleaning the house
- cooking meals
- doing projects together
…we try to work as a team.
For example, on a big outside project day the younger children may pick up sticks while older children help with yard work or run inside to help get lunch ready. Everyone contributes according to their abilities.
Building Family Memories and Traditions
Not everything is about chores or productivity.
Some of our favorite family memories come from:
- movie nights
- bike rides
- seasonal traditions
- holiday activities
- simple yearly routines
I love asking the children what memories stand out most to them because it helps us continue traditions that truly matter to our family.
Children often remember the simple things the most. Like you, I want my children to recall their childhood fondly, so doing more of their favorite traditions will help ensure that happens.
Final Thoughts on Managing a Large Family
Managing a large family is not about perfection. It’s about rhythms, teamwork, grace, flexibility, and learning what helps your home function best.
Every family is different, and every season of motherhood looks different too. What works for us may not work perfectly for another family, but I hope these ideas encourage you to create systems and routines that help your own home feel more peaceful and connected.
Whether you are managing a large family, homeschooling, staying home with young children, or simply trying to create a calmer home atmosphere, small changes really can make a big difference.