Tips for coping with being a large family this Easter!

[zazas]

We are increasing in size from 5 to 7 for the next 9 days as my dsc are with us. The children are 11, 9, 8 nearly 8 and nearly 2. While I love having all the children around, I sometimes get overwhelmed by the whole feeding / cooking / cleaning logistics of it all. I find I start to get quite antsy leading up to it wondering how I will cope (although of course I do!). So any suggestions on how to basically prevent me from feeling that I am tired to the stove and sink and getting worn down and instead enjoying my time with them all Thx

Make sure you get out everyday.

Lunch can be a make your own affair, if you lay things out on the table they can all help themselves or you could pack up a picnic and eat out for lunch?

make tidy up time a certain time, perhaps while your dh baths the 2yr old the rest of you could all work together to make the place reaosnably tidy so you can relax in the evening?

Have you got a slow cooker so evening meals can be a bit easier?

I'm getting a cleaner in for the last day of the hols so I can take the dc's out in the morning then to the park for a picnic so by the time we get back the house will be all clean and then it's just a case of keeping on top of it later on.

now can you please kick me bvecause I should not be sat here......I have food shopping to put away, clean washing to go away, I need to unpack the car because we've been away over night, I need to put a wash on and I need to have a toy sort out because the baby I usually have isn't going to be here for the next 2 weeks so I want to get more stuff out aimed at the almost 2yr old and the older children (ages 3, 7, 9) any idea's on toys to get out my mind has gone blank!?

thanks - now go! I think you are right, the key is getting out as we all go a bit stir crazy after a bit being home. However I have to prepare a lunch to take (can't feed 5 out!) and if I don't have that planned in advance it all goes pear shaped! Maybe if I plan that in advance everything will be easier???

You need to put the kids to work. Have a mad half-hour each morning when everyone has to tidy the house.

Don't do anything that they can do if they are sitting in front of the TV/Wii/Computer.

how was it zazas?