If you have a lot of kids, you may worry that you don’t give them enough individual attention.

Emily from Ashburn, Virginia is a mother of nine who calls Fr. Simon with some concerns. She’s committed to Catholic education yet grappling with the challenges of competing with more affluent, “helicopter” parents.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fr. Simon’s Eye-Opening Perspective on Large Families: He introduces a thought-provoking theory that maybe you haven’t considered – large families might actually offer more attention and care to children than smaller ones. Bringing up his own experience as the youngest of seven, Fr. Simon recalls the lack of “helicopter” parenting in his family, suggesting that children in large families can thrive through sibling relationships and shared responsibilities. Do you agree?

📚 Catholic Education vs. Homeschooling: While Emily leans towards homeschooling, her husband favors diocesan Catholic schools. Fr. Simon advises regular family discussions about what the kids are learning, emphasizing the importance of involving parents in their children’s religious education.

👶 The Unique Dynamics of Big Families: Fr. Simon laughs about the vibrant chaos and inherent discipline within large families. He jokes about the “slapping upside the head” by siblings, portraying it as a form of discipline and love that enriches the family dynamic.

🌱 Faith as a Family Conversation: A key takeaway from Fr. Simon is the importance of discussing faith within the family. He urges you as a parent to engage with your children about what they learn in religion class, fostering a household where faith is an ongoing conversation.

Try not to stress out if your family life isn’t perfect. If there’s a lot of chaos in your home right now, it could eventually turn out to be something you look back and smile about.

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