Good Parenting: Never Use the Oldest as a “Built-in Babysitter”

A lot of couples would really struggle to make things work with such a large family, but it sounds like this one’s close-knit and well-balanced. I was happy to read this about enlisting Darian’s aid, but not letting her feel her responsibilities “exceed that of a sister.” Siblings get no say in how large the family grows, and should never be tasked with the responsibilities of a parent, unless emergencies require it (but really, that’s just called “family” — everyone has to pitch in in a pinch).

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash