We're fresh off the second round of Parent Teacher Conferences for the year.  The kids are doing very well.  I have realized that PTC feel like a statement about how we're doing as parents.  Especially since I went back to school, I've been sensitive about any evidence that I'm neglecting my kids' needs.

I don't have personal experience of growing up in a large family.  I have one sister.  Many of my childhood friends are from larger families, like between 8 and 11 kids.  These friends are still dear friends (or maybe a spouse).  They turned out fine.  So why am I sure that I can't take care of mine?

I realized the problem.  I don't have personal experience of feeling loved and cared for as part of a larger group of siblings.  I don't have an intuitive grasp of how that feels, so I'm insecure about being only one Mom for seven diverse little people.