I used to play only large households, with autonomy on. Sims took care of their own needs, so I focused on whoever/whatever was the most fun at any given time.
My current save started with autonomy off, and I got to like micro-managing everything. Now, I prefer small households. Trying to control everything for 8 sims means that you don't get a lot of quality time with each one.
Tips for full households:
- Pause is your friend. Glance down at the row of Sims regularly, and if anyone is not green, pause. This gives you a chance to line up whatever tasks are needed to get your Sims happy again, without someone else losing bladder control while you're busy.
- Autonomy on helps. Sims will go to the bathroom, take naps, and get a snack, so you don't need to constantly line up needs. You just have to put up with everyone getting some video gaming skill and watching tv behind your back.
- If you have a lot of kids, call a nanny. Then don't leave the lot. Let the nanny help with the kids for a while before you dismiss them. You could also invite over family or friends who have a relationship with the kids.
- Libraries give a boost to homework-type skills. You can take the kids to the library and play on the computer while they do homework. If you just have one or two kids, choose "help with homework" and the homework will finish faster.
- When you can, take part of your household out on their own. Go to a festival or a cafe. While you're out, make sure to set what the Sims at home are doing. Building charisma? Socializing with someone? That takes care of some skill-grinding, so you can focus on the fun parts.
I'm sure there are a million more, but those are my Top Most Important Tips for playing a full household, not accidentally passing out in a puddle of their own bladder failure (this has happened), and still having fun.
