Ever since we started homeschooling and getting involved in the homeschool community, I discovered bigger families. Even though I considered myself as coming from a big family, I started meeting families with 8, 10, even 12 kids! I even know a family who is expecting their 19th child! Then I discovered the Above Rubies ladies and met even more big families!
Of course, just because a family is big, doesn’t always mean there will be sunshine and rainbows, but I’ve definitely noticed some cool things.
1) The kids always have play mates. If homeschooling, more classmates!
2) Even if no one else shows up, a child can have an organized birthday party practically anywhere, as most places require a minimum number attending.
3) You can have your own sports games in the backyard!
4) If a sibling gets lost somewhere, a whole bunch of people are gonna come looking.
5) Having siblings teaches relationships. I’ve read in several, several parenting books that if siblings can get along with each other, they’ll be able to get along with just about anyone when they enter the work place. Not only do they learn how to get along with other folks under the same roof, but they also don’t deal with age-segregation, teaching them how to relate to those both older and younger than themselves.
6) Learning to share space, items, and building communities are built in.
7) Learning to care for others can be automatic. Morgan is learning that she should care for those who are younger or who cannot help themselves. Jared is starting to pick it up, and Elena is also getting there. Because there’s always gonna be a “baby,” the plan is to eventually bring in someone younger or sending them to minister to shut-ins or others who are unable to get around. I have several friends who don’t encourage their teens to get the “typical” jobs, but send their daughters and sons out to do work in the community. I know a young woman who is very gifted and goes into Mom’s homes when they need some help (pregnancy, having a baby, etc.) and she’s incredible. I also know a young man who does odd jobs around his neighborhood and is frequently visiting the elderly around his town. They’re two of the most selfless teens I know. Of course anyone can do this–they don’t have to be in a large family, but they both say that the training they received to do what they’re doing now was always there because they learned how to work as a team and not to be self-focused.
8) Life is never boring as there’s always something going on. (As a result of this, it’s a wonderful way to help lessen OCDness! Soon, one learns that there IS life after arriving late to a function, and even though I’m still my obsessive self, have learned how to pick my battles.)
9) In cases of special needs or aging parents, more folks around to help care for them. And if you have a person with special needs in the family, there will be more future citizens going out into the world who will be sensitive to those with SNs, which is something very close to my heart.
10) More people to talk about when you create a blog! Soon, you’ll see a picture of Aunt Lisa’s Protege. Regarding my last two pregnancies, I had dreams which somehow centered around my sister Lindsay, who said (IRL) that I should name this baby after her if it’s a girl. Haha! When chatting about parenting stuff, Melanie is usually around. And the kids adore their Aunt Kristen. Well, they love all their aunts–they’re just all seriously attached to Aunt K.
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