As a mom to three children in very different life stages (infant, toddler, and kindergartner), I\u2019m always looking for tips on raising big families<\/a>. I can\u2019t stop thinking about the advice from poet Kate Baer<\/a>, mother of four\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cFind the equalizers,\u201d she told me. \u201cMy kids are a wide span of ages, from high school all the way down to first grade. This means we are limited in what we can all enjoy doing together. A few things on the list that work for everyone? Playing games (Frank\u2019s Zoo<\/a>, Up & Down the River<\/a>, Skip-Bo<\/a>), riding bikes, watching movies, kayaking, and shark-tooth hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, when we\u2019re hanging out in the backyard, deciding how to fill the hours until dinner time, I think: Find the equalizers<\/em>. <\/p>\n On Friday evenings, when the kids are bathed and we\u2019re snuggled on the couch deciding on a movie: Find the equalizers<\/em>. <\/p>\n Weekend mornings, when Max and I are lying in bed planning the day, whispering so we don\u2019t wake the children: Find the equalizers<\/em>.<\/p>\n After months of mentally noting which activities are equalizers and which are not<\/em> (I\u2019m looking at you, Frisbee), here\u2019s what works for our whole crew:<\/p>\n \u2013 Hunting for acorns in the backyard and on hikes. Nothing\u2019s better than seeing all three kids content together. Thank you for the advice, Kate!<\/p>\n Playing at baby-friendly parks is another crowdpleaser.<\/em><\/p>\n How do you help your children get along and bond with one another? What are your family\u2019s equalizers? I\u2019d love to hear your insights.<\/strong><\/p>\n P.S. Five ways to ease sibling rivalry<\/a> and what\u2019s your child\u2019s bedtime routine<\/a>?<\/p>\n![\"genius](\"https:\/\/cupofjo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0254-scaled.jpg\")
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\u2013 Taking walks around the block to admire Halloween decorations.
\u2013 Visiting our 70-something neighbor<\/a> and raiding his freezer for popsicles.
\u2013 Baking chocolate chip cookies (Evelynn participates by eating chocolate chips in her high chair).
\u2013 Watching Toy Story 5<\/a> (my kids love a sequel).<\/p>\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/cupofjo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0377-scaled.jpg\")
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