I believe that there are advantages of growing up in a large family! However, the fact that we have eight children is looked at as unusual by many people these days. My husband came from a family of 14 kids, and there were 5 in my family. For us, having a “large family” just seemed normal.
Many folks are quick to point out the difficulties of affording a large family, as well as the time and work involved. I am aware of those things, but I still see having a large family as a blessing. Yes, there are difficulties, but there are also many advantages and joys, as well.
I love how my older kids have been a help and encouragement for their younger siblings, as they faced the normal “growth pains” that kids deal with while growing up.
Sometimes advice from an older sibling was just what a struggling teen needed to get through a rough time. It thrills me now to see how they love seeing each other as young adults, and how well they get along.
Sharing doesn’t come naturally to kids, but with many siblings, in the home, we had many opportunities to work with our kids on the importance of sharing with others.
There was definitely some sibling rivalry and fighting, but from it they learned to forgive and get along with others, including those that were rather difficult to get along with! Sibling squabbles are going to happen in any family, giving us a great opportunity to teach our kids how to be peacemakers. We had many teaching moments!
Because we didn’t give them lots of material things, the kids learned to appreciate what they did get, and what they had. They also learned contentment.
With several kids in the home, I didn’t hear much about boredom. Even the toddlers would be entertained by just watching the other kids play. They all learned to be creative and develop their imaginations when playing together.
Many kids today get so much and are so used to Mom being at their beck and call that they tend to get self-focused. This often leads to the development of an entitlement mentality. In a large family, Mom doesn’t have time to cater to each child’s whims, and the kids learn to think of others.
I love that as some of our older kids chose to follow and serve Christ, it set an example for the younger ones to also make good choices.
In a large family, everyone has to pitch in and help to keep things running smoothly. This helped our kids learn to jump in where needed and to work together. It was looked at as the norm to work together as a team, and not as something they had to endure.
4 Responses
Hey very interesting blog!
The deep friendships with my (now) all grown siblings has been such a blessing in my life. Very full and very sweet. I want the same for my children! And I love being a mama and seeing the sweet fellowship already going on in our home with our 4 little one so .
Edith, thank you for sharing the blessings you have seen with your large family! I agree that those advantages do translate well into their adult life. Children really are a blessing!
I agree wholeheartedly! I am the mother of 6. There are always looks of surprise when people realize, “yes, they are all mine”. There are also comments on how well behaved, responsible, helpful, and respectful they are. All of them are friends not just siblings. The advantages of large families translate well into adult life. My husband and I have been truly blessed, and we thank the Lord everyday for them.