Of course, I am almost permanently in demand in the large family, on the other hand, it also offers freedom. Because precisely because there are so many children and now older ones, I can sneak away.
Decide independently on direction and pace
Still, I rarely have moments to myself. For example, if I pick up one of our children somewhere by car – because we live a little out of the way on our farm and have no bus connection – and do not have others on board at the same time. Then I turn up the music and enjoy the minutes for myself. And on weekends I sometimes go for a walk alone with the dog. If someone wants to join me, I can say no. Because I am happy about the silence and that I can make my own decisions about direction and pace.
This time is good for me, but it doesn't have to be much more. For example, driving away for a whole weekend wouldn't appeal to me at all. Instead, even when the children are about to do so, I try to take mental time-outs. When I ride my bike and sit two behind me in a bicycle trailer, or when I go to the sheep meadow with my grandson Theo on my back in summer, nobody needs a few minutes to speak and pay attention and I can let my thoughts run free. I go for a walk in my head. Even if it's just super short – that also gives energy.
Andrea Leinthaler, 52, studied agricultural science and lives with her husband and now seven of the ten children plus a grandson on a farm in the Allgäu.
Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then check out the "Personality Forum" BRIGITTE community past!
Get the BRIGITTE as a subscription – with many advantages. Here you can order them directly.