Big Family Life Is Like a Chess Game

Big Family Life Is Like a Chess Game

Big family life is a lot like chess. And I say that as someone who does not play chess. I tried a couple of times—once with an ex-boyfriend who tried to teach me, and he beat me in three moves. Not exactly the best mentor. My husband has “played” with me once or twice too, and while I’ve lasted longer, it’s mostly because he goes easy on me.

But here’s the thing: parenting six kids across three different schools (yes, just three this year instead of four—slight relief) really is like chess. You have to think multiple moves ahead, anticipate obstacles, and plan for every possible scenario… all while trying not to lose your queen (or your sanity).

Take today, for example: football game day. The game isn’t even at the stadium near us, so extra strategy is required. Here’s my mental chessboard:

• First, I have to pick up my daughter who’s carrying my son’s backpack. That way, after the game, we can just take him home instead of doubling back. I forgot her the first week - mom fail.

• Next, I have to get the elementary kids and make sure dinner is ready before the game. Otherwise, they eat everything at the concession stand—and trust me, even school league snacks are expensive, especially multiplied by five kids.

• Then, I have to grab the two littlest kids right before we head to the game, which means all the football gear, snacks, and water must be packed and ready to go. Yes, you read that right—snacks we sneak in blaming them on the little kids, because we’ve learned the hard way that a little pretzel and water combo goes a long way.

  
  

It’s like a chess strategy in real life: every kid, every school, every pick-up is a move. Miss one, and the rest of your plan collapses. Make the right moves, and you get to the end… and that’s the checkmate: everyone at the game, fed, hydrated, and still mostly smiling.

Big family life may not have chessboards or rooks, but it does have strategy, planning, and the occasional victory dance when you finally pull it all off.

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You would go to the ends of the earth for your kids’ happiness and memories—so why not give yourself that same gift? At Kristian Hutchings Portraits, I’ll take care of everything, leaving you with an experience and images that make you feel celebrated, pampered, and unforgettable.

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Kristian is a mom of six, Program Manager by day, active Professional Photographer by trade, and a big believer in finding beauty in the everyday chaos.

Life in our house is loud, messy and full of literally everything. Love, noise, laundry, laughter, and definitely could use a bit more grace. I'm happily married to my best friend, grounded in my Catholic faith, and fueled by five to six hours of sleep per night and adrenaline.

I try to find joy in the everyday — even when it's wild, because without the little bit of joy, this life would be unbearable. This space is for the moms in the middle of it all: the ones juggling family, faith, work, and wonder. The ones that need someone else's messy life to make their own seem better or somewhat normal. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Welcome to Six Sweet Smiles — where we celebrate the mess, the miracles, and everything in between.