Having four or more siblings means that your family is bigger, louder and more dysfunctional than most. It also means that there's a lot more love to go around. Here are 10 undeniable reasons that big families have way more fun.
1. You could be a basketball team.
Having four or more siblings means that you technically have enough players to be your own team. Age, height and athletic ability may vary, so be careful before you challenge your local high school team to go five on five.
2. …Or you could start a band.
You’ve got the numbers; the only thing standing between you and your family becoming the next Jackson Five is probably musical talent. But it’s never too late to teach your brother electric guitar and get your sister drum lessons. Singing, on the other hand…
3. Eating out can be a challenge.
Asking for a “table for seven” is usually enough to make the waiter or waitress believe that you are having a large family gathering. You’ll probably get asked, “Should we pull a few tables together for you guys?” It’s either that or wait 30 minutes for the biggest table to open up. Also, by the time your siblings all decide what they want, getting breakfast at the diner turns into an all-day experience.
4. Eating in can be just as difficult.
“Compromise” is a big word in your house when it comes to deciding what to make for dinner. Your parents have come to terms with the fact that they can’t please everyone, but food can be the cause of some heated fights in a large family. The same applies for ordering food, since it is a guarantee that your siblings will want food delivered from at least three different places. Plus, getting meals for the whole family can cost a small fortune. Even ordering fast food can be insanely expensive. Who spends $40 at McDonald’s? Your family does.
5. Your family owns a car with three row seating.
According to your mom, “What’s the point of getting a car that we can’t all fit in?” Whether it be a minivan, a Honda Pilot, or a Chevy Suburban, your family definitely cruises around in a gas-guzzling land boat of some sort.
6. You have always shared a room.
In a family as big as yours, you share pretty much everything. Knowing what it is like to have a roommate is a huge help when you go to college though, since you already know the ropes.
7. Going to the movies as a family…
With the price of tickets these days? Fuhgeddaboudit. Going to the movies as a family will cost around $300. For the special occasions that you do get to go, you need to get there very early so that your family can all sit together. You need an entire row, after all.
8. Grocery Shopping = three carts full.
Grocery shopping just looks silly, especially if one of your parents goes alone. With all the people living in your house, your family always has a long shopping list. But when your dad is rolling around three carts full at Stop&Shop, they look more like they are stocking up for the apocalypse than picking up milk and bread.
9. You always have someone to hang out with.
Even though your family seems to be constantly running around in all different directions, you always leave time to spend together. At least one of your siblings will be around to hang out with or talk to at any time of day. There is no shortage of people to go to the mall with or watch TV with.
10. You have at least four best friends for life.
The undisputed best part about growing up with many siblings is that you have so many people that love you unconditionally. Having a lot of brothers and sisters can make family outings more difficult, but it also makes it more of an adventure. Your siblings are your best friends for life, and it is an amazing fortune to have so many people supporting you.
