

Chris: Hello Monica. Thanks for agreeing to be featured today! Can you share with us a little bit of your work at home? Who takes care of your kids while you are at work?

My husband and I share duties in bringing up the kids. I homeschool them during the day, while he’s off at work. When Dennis arrives home, he asks for a report from the kids as to what they learned during the day. This encourages a healthy discussion that deepens the knowledge for the day’s lessons. We talk constantly about how to properly bring up the kids, and we both have to have the same values, ideals and goals that we want our family to grow in.
I must make make special mention to my yayas, because without them, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle everything that needs to be done daily. I am so blessed to have them! Would you believe that I prayed for kind, loving and responsible people who I can trust my kids and household with? God truly answers our prayers! If you’re looking for a yaya/household help, pray for one! And take good care of them, and have an open, trusting relationship with them because they are also your partners in running the household and support in raising the children.
I try to do my work while we homeschool, especially if the kids are just doing some writing exercises. If not, I stay up a couple of extra hours at night to complete my tasks.
Dennis and I make sure we have our date nights every week! Either a dinner or movie out without the kids, just the two of us. Sometimes, we take the kids out individually or in pairs for quality time with mama or papa. A family outing is a huge production for us, just by our sheer size, but we try to go out whenever we can. And, of course, we attend church services together as a family.
Chris: Do you regret having such a large family? Why or why not?
Chris: What advice can you give to mothers who are in the same situation as you are?
b. Schedule and Plan — it helps to have a family calendar so everyone in the house knows each other’s schedule. Also list down everything that needs to be done. This helps in prioritizing your tasks. And plan your meals properly, so you can maximize the food you buy. Sticking to your lists and schedules will help get things done quickly and efficiently, thus freeing up your schedule for surprise coffee dates or family outings.
c. Pray — Start the day right with quality time with the number one man in your life, God. Reading the Bible and praying helps focus our minds to what is the underlying theme throughout the day — all for His Glory. When our lives are aligned with his vision for us, everything seems to be easier. I strive to be a Proverbs 31 Wife, though I must admit I am still working everyday on it 🙂 But it helps to have a goal, right?