Growing up in a large extended family always calls for a good time. From parties to new babies to always having someone to hang out with, there is nothing better than being part of a large family.
1. Parties
Having so many people in your family, there is always an event occurring. From birthdays and graduations, to getting together just because you haven’t seen each other in a while, someone is always throwing a party.
2. Weddings
Being one of the youngest cousins, as I am, the older cousins are now getting married. There may be a lull in weddings for a year or two, but then there might be two the same year.
3. Babies
Being in a large family means babies are always around! Whether it’s your aunts and uncles having babies or your cousins, it feels like every time you turn around, a new baby is being born or someone is announcing they’re expecting. Plus, babies mean lots of babysitting opportunities. The cousins that babysat me when I was little, I’m now babysitting their kids, so it all comes around full circle.
4. Family vacations are always a blast.
Wherever you go on vacation, to the beach, the mountains, etc. you get to spend an entire week with your family and get to know them even better. Having all of your cousins in one place calls for some very entertaining stories and memories for years to come.
5. People to hang out with anytime.
Shoot a text to your cousins, they’re always down to hang out. They’re family, so even if they say they are hanging out with their family, you’re always welcomed to join in their immediate family gatherings as well.
6. They understand you.
You were all practically raised together. No one understands you better than your own family, especially when you come from the same generation. In my family, we have groups of cousins. These include those that are all around the same age. There’s only about a two year age difference. The cousins within these groups were raised, grew up and did everything together.
7. Last minute parties
“Hey, want to come over for dinner?” is being asked almost every weekend. The number of times the family gets together for planned and unplanned events is countless.
8. Older cousins have already gone through experiences.
Before you go on your first date, first interview or off to college, your cousins will be right there with you. They have already gone through this so they can give you advice, and tell you their stories.
9. Job opportunities
Your cousins, aunts or uncles can all help you get a job through themselves or connections they have. The first job I held as a camp counselor, my cousin was my boss and she hired another one of my cousins, too.
10. People are always there for you.
Whether you are having a bad day and just need cheering up, or you’re struggling as a family and need a little help, your family will always be there during the good times and bad.
11. Having best friends
The saying "family by blood, but friends by choice" could not be any truer. My cousins and I are so close that sometimes other people just don’t understand. Even those that marry into the family say we have a special bond that they don't have in their families. The majority of my cousins are in their 30s, so when I tell my friends I’m going to hang out with my 30-year-old cousins they sometimes look at me funny and don’t understand how or why I’m so close to my cousins that are so much older than me.
