If you have a lot of kids close together in age you may be considering this book. I hope this honest review will help.
I wanted to read this book for a long time.
At nearly $30 price tag (sometimes higher) I had a hard time spending that kind of money. On one book.
Then I got pregnant (surprise!) with my 5th child… and I had a hard time coming to terms. How would I get everything done? How could I hold it all together? How could I meet all their needs and still maintain my own sanity?
Well, I’m 38 weeks pregnant as I type so, I can’t give those answers. But I did buy Large Family Logistics and read it cover to cover. I’ve created a video with my honest thoughts about it below.
An Honest Review of the “Large Family Logistics” Book
Here are the pros and cons of Large Family Logistics, in my opinion.
The Positives of Large Family Logistics
Here’s what I loved.
1. The “You Can Do” Attitude
The author has 9 children whom she homeschools. Oh, and she lives on a farm. Not a hobby farm, a proper farm. One would look at her from the outside and think she is the epitome of superwoman. That said, the book was neither condescending, sanctimonious, nor “I’ve got it all together” in nature. It was encouraging, empowering, and helped you to feel you – too – could get it all done.
“Efficiency saves you time, and we all appreciate more time.” Amy Brenneman
2. The Systems
Her entire book is chock full of systems. It’s how she gets everything done she needs. There are food systems, bill paying systems, chore systems, family time and devotion systems, and on and on. She doesn’t just wax on and waste time about how her life works so well, she actually gives step by step super practical systems that she lays out in explicit detail.
“Managing the home is a biblical duty of wives and mothers, and sometimes that managing involves managing others who are helping you.” Amy Brenneman
Are your home systems and routines just not working?
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3. There’s No Filler
If there’s one thing that super duper annoys me, it’s when someone spends 25% of their book/podcast/blog post/course talking about how great and successful they are and they don’t get to the point. Ain’t nobody got time for that. This book is all useful, no filler.
Read: All-Time Best Christian Parenting Books (According to Mom Reviews)
Each chapter is short, to the point, and only as long as it needs to be. She weaves her philosophy into it, obviously, but it’s a quick read that you can use as a reference. It doesn’t have to be read in order.
4. Revealed Major Flaws in my Homemaking
As I read the book I had tons of “Ah Ha” moments. A lot of “Oh, THAT’S a good idea” thoughts. But instead of feeling guilty, overwhelmed, or inadequate I just felt encouraged to start doing things better. That said, I was and still am pregnant so I haven’t put everything into practice I’d like to.
I am waiting until postpartum to begin a few of the new systems, but I found it to be a revealing book. If she can homeschool 9 kids, run a farm, and never run out of food in her fridge or pantry… I can learn a lot from her!
The Negative of Large Family Logistics
Here’s what rubbed me the wrong way about the book. In fact, it’s really the only thing. It is, however, woven through the fabric of the book so on quite a few occasions I found myself shaking my head and thinking… “Wow, whatever pastor told you that needs to step down and read the Bible more.”
It’s Super Patriarchal
I am a firm believer men and women are created differently, have different gifts, and bring different talents and roles into a family. But I felt this book took it a bit too far. I think this type of environment she’s describing creates a rife breeding ground for abuse. Of course most marriages don’t have an abusive partner. Praise God.
But if you believe your husband is emotionally or verbally abusive, do not read this book. She says, at one point, if you call your children in for a meeting or a talk, to tell them that you are talking to them on behalf of their father. That you, as the mother, don’t or shouldn’t be using parental authority in your home. Because, to her, in every single area of your home and life, the buck stops with Dad.
She says that you, as the homemaker, should not make your own goals. Instead, you should sit down with your husband, list out his wants, needs, and desires, and make those your goals. Spend your days fulfilling your husband’s goals in your home.
Respecting your husband and creating a home where he feels welcome and loved is admirable and godly. Abdicating your person-hood and identity to your husband is neither biblical nor wise.
Acting as though you cannot make your own decisions in your own home without getting “clearance” from your husband, and refraining from having your own goals is just crazy to me. My opinion, of course.
On the whole…
For the systems, ideas, strategies, and encouragement… I highly recommend this book. If you have 4 or more kids (less than that this would seem like overkill) this will be a great reference or resource for areas in your home that just don’t work right. That don’t flow. You’ll see what can be possible and stop feeling that you are destined to a disastrous home until the kids leave.
You are NOT lazy, disorganized, or unmotivated. The fact is, if your home feels chaotic,it’s your systems. With easy efficient systems, habits, and routines you can start to have the home (and home atmosphere) you crave without working yourself into a frenzy.
Take this quiz to see how well your home systems work then get free and easy hacks to help make your home more tidy, peaceful, and organized.
Rachel
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Angie Cole says
This was a super helpful review — thanks! I’ve been eyeing this book for a long time, too, but have never gotten it. After hearing your input, I probably will now. My bday is right around the corner. :)
We have 4 kids (2-9) so I feel like, while I’m on the fringe of having a large family, the fact that we also homeschool might warrant a book like this.
Also, I loved hearing your voice for the first time! I had no idea you have such a sweet accent (to my ears, at least) so now when I read your blog posts, I’ll have your voice in my head as I read along. :)
God bless you — and congrats on your newest little bundle!!
Rachel Norman says
Angie, ha, glad you aren’t turned off by my accent! I’d definitely recommend it if you are going to homeschool your 4 kids. She has MAJOR wisdom and practical tips. There is no fluff in this book whatsoever. It’s totally worth the price.
Liz says
Good of her husband to let her write a book.
Rachel Norman says
Pahahaha. It is, isn’t it?
Lizzy says
I only have two but my cousin who has 6 and homeschools on a far gave this book to me one year for a birthday present. I really enjoyed it but am still a bit random about implementing it. Maybe I’m far too used to that sort of patriarchal talk because I sort of glazed over it and switched off.
Rachel Norman says
I think I used to be like that too, but I have a real heart for domestic violence now and while the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of people who are “patriarchal” are not abusive, many husbands use that as a way to lord things over their wives. :(
Heidi says
I just had to chime in as I have actually read this book.
I agree, it is super practical.I bought it for my sister(and read it first.oops!). She has six kids and I have four and we both homeschool.
Anyway, I wanted to say that my husband is very loving and kind and helpful AND he is the head of our household and proud to be. Hee hee But he gets so annoyed if I run every little thing by him. He’s even told me, you’re an adult, you can decide that. I trust you.
So I am 100% in agreement with your review.
Rachel Norman says
Heidi, love this and thank you. I hated to say that almost but felt it necessary because I know personally (though not firsthand) that some husbands are not as godly as they seem and abuse this power of “head of household.”
Kathy says
I’ve had this book for several years and I actually bought a bunch of them to give out whenever I ran into a frazzled mom who could use help. At the time, however, I was a bit overwhelmed myself and didn’t implement much (if any), but I have my head above water now and I think I will go back and re-read this book. My newlywed daughter just asked if she could take one of my extra books to read. I am sending her your review to read; you did such a great job. A funny thing: when you hold the book up under your chin, it looks like you are the head to the missing part on the cover of the book. You’re too cute! Thanks for the review.
Rachel Norman says
Yes, love it :)
Hannah says
Hi! Loved this review! I agree completely! The tips are so practical & I’m glad she’s not flower-y with the wording but just gets straight to the point. There are so many good things in there that I’ve actually read it twice now & reference it often when I get stuck! I do agree with the husband issue. My husband & I take more of a 50/50 approach to taking care of our kids when he is home which helps me a ton, but to each their own!
Rachel Norman says
Hannah, yes that book TOTALLY ROCKS! IT’s a good kick in the pants to get things in order.
Taylor says
Loved your review! So fun to watch you in a video– hope you’ll do more :).
Kate says
I am on the author’s mailing list. She recently wrote an article explaining that she actually does not follow the patriarchy thing, but that unbeknownst to her, her publisher was really into that. So they really edited the book in that direction. She regrets and apologizes for it now. I just wanted to spread that message of hope, because the patriarchy thing makes me sick. I’m a Christian, but I think that it advocates for abusive relationships that are not in the Bible!
Rachel Norman says
Oh wow, so interesting! I actually saw that the book was nearly out of print or hard to get and wondered if she’d changed her tune. What was her website?
Terri says
Her comments about the first book are here:http://homeplainandsimple.com/large-family-logistics-the-art-and-science-of-managing-the-large-family.html
She has an updated version of her book with more stuff she’s learned and the patriarchal stuff removed.