Single mother shares challenges and joys of raising six boys in Helsinki

In the film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” the McCallister family experiences a chaotic Christmas while preparing for a trip to the airport. This scene resonates with Hilla Rautjärvi, a 38-year-old mother of six boys. Rautjärvi has cultivated her ability to manage chaos, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion when things go awry, such as losing keys or swim trunks.

As a single mother, Rautjärvi’s family includes her 14-year-old son Joni, 11-year-old Jukka, 8-year-old Jere, and five-year-old twins Juuso and Jaajo, along with her 2-year-old, Jimi. The family recently relocated from Hollola to Helsinki to support Rautjärvi’s education in early childhood education.

Rautjärvi notes that large families like hers receive little attention in the media. With a decreasing number of families with four or more children in Finland—just over 25,000 in 2023—she feels it’s essential to share her experiences. Many see large families as burdensome, often questioning her mental well-being. However, she finds joy in her chaotic life, stating that the camaraderie among her children naturally alleviates some burdens.

Despite financial challenges, including a total monthly expenditure of around 5,000 euros for her family, Rautjärvi employs strategies such as recycling clothing among her children to manage costs. Rautjärvi encourages others to consider having multiple children, expressing happiness with her life as a mother. Her family’s journey has recently included adjusting to their new home, and they support one another through shared responsibilities and open communications, even addressing issues like maintaining cleanliness in their shared space.