One of the best parts about having a large family, is that there are multiple opportunities throughout each and every day to help other people. 

For some of my children, helping others is second nature.  For some of them, it’s something that they’re happy to do once you draw their attention to the fact that someone needs help. And for some, they’re quick to suggest that somebody else is better qualified to do the helping. This (of course) occurs more frequently the younger and more tired they are.

But for the most part, they’re all really good about helping each other because Jim and I have always modeled that helping others is important.

As a Mom, I want to raise them to become people who naturally help out.  I want them to notice when people need help and to jump to it.   I teach them that helping others often feels good, but there are times when we have to stop something fun, so that we can help.  That may not feel so good, but it is still the right thing to do.

Last fall, we were out at the new property.  The children always want to head straight to the creek.  The boys love to rush ahead and will often disappear to play in the woods. But on this trip, it made me so happy because they didn’t abandon us.

They helped their little sisters across the creek instead of running ahead and leaving them behind!  I’m so proud of them for putting others first.