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Many Kids, Much Work: How Do They Do It?

Posted by AmyinMotown

 Want to feel like a big old slacker? Then check these families out

The article from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel looks at families with twins or triplets, and sometimes other kids, who balance a full family slate with a full time job. Many of the parents profiled are high achievers as well. One made partner at her law firm right before the birth of her twins, for example.

There are some lessons here for everybody, I think, no matter how many kids you have or whether or not you work outside the home.

All these women talk about the importance of their support network. The lawyer who made partner created a group of fellow lawyers who could pinch hit for each other in court, for example. Another, a therapist who works with mentally ill kids, rearranges her schedule so her husband can be there during the day and she does duty at night. And all of them talk about the importance of their spouse's stepping up too. One dad ended up taking 11 sick days the first year his wife went back to work after the birth of their triplets, and other dads shoulder half the housework or sometimes most of the burden of being the stay-at-home parent.

And all of them cite the importance of working in being good role models for their kids. Many also found lots of support in a parents of multiples group.

If you manage this, you're my idol. And what is your secret weapon to get it all done?


Comments

 

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) said:

Dishes. I do the dishes it seems like 37 freaking times a day. It's the secret key to a happy marriage. And my nails are awesome!

February 11, 2008 6:57 PM
 

Autumn said:

Secret weapon is half assing everything. Multitaskers half ass everything they do.  They cannot put 100% of themselves into anything.

February 11, 2008 9:01 PM
 

AnneAC said:

Autumn I totally agree.

I constantly feel inadequate about my ability to parent/work/clean because I see these people a whole bunch of kids who seem to have all their crap together. Why can't I get my crap together? I have 1 todder, 1 part-time job, and a fun/creative side gig on Etsy...it just seems impossible for any of us to give 100% to everything.

February 13, 2008 1:46 PM

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