Having a large family is a blessing. But it’s not without its challenges! And the larger the family, the more dynamic, chaotic, and interesting your daily life tends to be. Simon Hooper, who is a father of four, documents the reality of living with five women at home on his super-popular Instagram account, Father of Daughters.
The photos and the stories accompanying them are absolutely brilliant and worth your time, dear Pandas, so go on, scroll down and have a gander and a read. There’s no sugarcoating. There’s no pretending that everything’s going perfectly when it isn’t. There’s just a dad who’s honest about what it’s like raising four daughters and the reality of having a family in the modern world.
#101
"8 years ago, 3 years ago & today. Can't quite believe we still haven't received our call up for the Cirque du Soleil despite almost a decade of practice and a safety record that contains only 2 minor injuries, but hey ho. Now, if I could just get a child to sit on each limb, that really would be 'Britain's got talent' grade stuff (probably for the bloopers reel when I Buckle under their collective weight - we really have to stop feeding this lot)."
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8points
#102
"As an adult, breaking up large rocks into smaller ones is something that is reserved for miners, quarry workers, crack dealers (granted, a different kind of rock) and those incarcerated in labour camps. However, when you're 4 & you've been given the sign off to wield a claw hammer & a mallet that's so heavy, you can't physically lift above your head, it's no longer classified as a chore - it's a fun! Most of my formative years were spent 'helping' my dad by mixing cement and fetching tools, yet I can barely get my eldest 2 to make noises that resemble conversational english, let alone help with manual labour. Yet these 2 sat there for 30 minutes like miniature stone masons and actually helped (while miraculously managing not mangle any figures or faces). If only their biceps didn't have the consistency and size of a month old grape that's been left behind a radiator - then they'd actually be able to help shift the rubble too, but who am I to complain - that will come in time.
As I've said before, I'm pretty sure that if they're your kids, it doesn't count as child labour, right?!"
As I've said before, I'm pretty sure that if they're your kids, it doesn't count as child labour, right?!"
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8points
#103
"While enjoying a quiet moment, naval gazing out to sea & drinking the last dregs out of 2019, I found myself reflecting on this time 4 years ago. we were on a countdown to the impending arrival of 2 more balls of screaming flesh & the realistion of my greatest fear - being out of my depth & not being good at something. The very idea of twins scared me into mental paralysis (not that I told anyone else than my heavily pregnant wife), yet here we are to tell the tail. So to anyone who's currently in the position I was once in, don't worry - It WILL work out. Don't compare yourself to anyone else's version of normal as we all have our own rhythms to follow. There is no 'best' way of doing things, only the best way you can do things for your own circumstances. It's a journey, so find time to enjoy it and reflect on your accomplishments, even the small ones as they make you who you are. Learn from the challenges that are thrown at you because they make you stronger. And most of all, remember that although your life is set to change, you are still you so make time for yourself - that time is more valuable that you'll ever realise."
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7points
In the world of parenting, setting boundaries is an essential skill that parents must cultivate. This is especially true when it comes to navigating the chaotic yet rewarding realm of family dynamics and external expectations. It's akin to maintaining strong boundaries when relatives push their own agendas, reminding us that it is crucial to stand firm in our decisions regarding personal family matters.
If you're interested in exploring how boundaries can play a crucial role in family life, especially when dealing with external influences, check out this perspective on dealing with familial pressure.