12 Ways to Manage a Household with Five Kids and Keep Your Sanity Intact

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling five kids, each with their own needs, schedules, and temperaments, you know it can sometimes feel like you’re living in a constant state of controlled chaos. Now, add to that mix the special needs of two children with Autism, and the whirlwind of everyday life becomes something else entirely. From school runs to meal prep and homework sessions to bedtime routines, it can often feel like you’re running on empty. But after years of trial and error and learning on the go, I’ve discovered a few strategies that actually work. Here are 12 ways to manage a busy household with five kids and keep your sanity intact.

1. Create a Routine (And Stick to It)

I can’t emphasize this enough: consistency is the secret sauce. My kids, especially the two on the Autism spectrum, thrive in a structured environment. Setting up a predictable routine, whether it’s wake-up times, meal times, or bedtime, brings a sense of stability to our day. Sure, life doesn’t always follow the script, but keeping as much structure as possible allows us to handle the unexpected more smoothly. Having a routine makes our chaotic days feel just a bit more manageable.

2. Delegate and Get the Kids Involved

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Let’s face it: there’s no way I can do it all. And I shouldn’t have to. From the very start, I’ve involved my kids in daily tasks. Whether it’s setting the table, folding laundry, or putting their toys away, each child has a role to play. This not only lightens my load but also teaches them responsibility. As they’ve gotten older, their chores have grown too. Getting them involved helps them understand teamwork and allows me to focus more urgently on things that need my attention.

3. Simplify Your Life (It’s a Game Changer)

When you’re managing a large household, the simpler, the better, whether cutting down on clutter, simplifying meal prep, or minimizing the number of decisions you have to make, less really is more. We’ve embraced a minimalist mindset in many areas of the home—fewer items to clean, fewer things to organize, and fewer distractions to manage. I’ve also streamlined our meal planning by choosing easy-to-make, family-friendly recipes that are quick and nutritious. Simplification has made our lives so much smoother.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This one was a tough lesson to learn. As a mum, it’s easy to think you must do everything yourself. But the truth is, it takes a village. I’ve learned to lean on my husband, family, and friends when I need help. Whether it’s a little extra childcare, running errands, or tackling a big project, don’t be afraid to ask for help. My husband and I have a solid partnership, and we communicate openly about who’s handling what. When we tap into our support system, everything feels a little lighter.

5. Be Flexible (Because Life is Full of Surprises)

Even the best-laid plans get derailed sometimes. Whether it’s a sick child, a last-minute school meeting, or a meltdown that no one saw coming, being flexible is essential. I’ve learned to roll with the punches and adjust as needed. Flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning routine altogether; it just means being open to change and adjusting your priorities when life throws you a curveball. It helps me stay calm and less stressed when things don’t go according to plan.

6. Make Time for Yourself (Yes, You Matter Too)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting myself only leads to burnout. Finding time for me, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a walk around the block, or a long bath after the kids are asleep, is essential for recharging my batteries. Taking care of my mental and physical health helps me show up as a more patient, present mum. It doesn’t have to be a long break, but carving out small moments of self-care makes all the difference.

7. Celebrate the Small Wins (They Matter More Than You Think)

Parenting five kids means there are big days and small days. But even on the chaotic days, it’s important to celebrate the small wins. Did everyone get dressed without a meltdown? Did you manage to cook dinner without an interruption? These little victories matter. I take a moment each day to recognize what went right, even if it seems small. Celebrating the small wins helps me stay positive and gives me the energy to keep going, even when the going gets tough.

8. Laugh (Even When You Feel Like Crying)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Humor is my lifeline. There are days when the kids are bickering, the laundry is piling up, and the dinner plans have gone completely haywire. On those days, I try to find something to laugh about—whether it’s a silly moment, a funny comment from one of the kids, or just the absurdity of it all. Laughter helps me keep things in perspective and makes the chaos a little more bearable. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just laugh and embrace the madness.

9. Set Realistic Expectations (Perfection is Overrated)

Trying to be the “perfect” mum or have a perfectly organized home is a recipe for burnout. With five kids, that’s not realistic. Some days will go according to plan, and others will be a hot mess. I’ve learned to set realistic expectations for myself and my family. I aim for progress, not perfection. This mindset helps me avoid unnecessary stress and keeps me focused on what’s truly important—being present and enjoying time together as a family.

10. Maintain Strong Communication with Your Partner

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

After 19 years of marriage, I can tell you one thing: communication is everything. We check in with each other regularly about what needs to be done, how we’re feeling, and how we can support one another. Raising children with special needs can be especially challenging, so it’s essential to share the emotional load. Everything else is easier to handle when both partners are on the same page.

11. Stay Organized (Even in the Chaos)

Organization might seem impossible with five kids, but trust me—systems make all the difference. Whether it’s keeping a family calendar for appointments, school events, and activities or using color-coded folders for each child’s paperwork, staying organized helps prevent things from slipping through the cracks. I also use technology apps and reminders to help me stay on track with everything from grocery shopping to doctor’s appointments. Staying organized doesn’t mean perfection—it just means having a system that works for you.

12. Focus on Quality Family Time (It’s What Matters Most)

It’s the moments spent together that truly matter. Yes, there’s always something to be done around the house, but I try to carve out time for quality family activities. Whether it’s a game night, a walk in the park, or just chatting around the dinner table, these moments of connection help us stay grounded as a family. The logistics of daily life can easily take over, but it’s crucial to nurture your relationships and make time for what matters most.

Life with five kids, including two with Autism, is never dull, and it certainly isn’t easy. But I’ve learned how to thrive in the chaos by staying flexible, organized, and focused on what matters. Parenting isn’t about perfecting everything but learning, growing, and enjoying the ride. So, to all the busy parents out there, don’t forget to celebrate the small wins, embrace the chaos, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. Keep going, one day at a time. You’ve got this!

+ posts

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Picture of Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us

Resent Posts

Latest News

Scroll to Top