There's something about growing up in a big family that's entertaining, rambunctious, annoying and great, all at the same time. At least, this was my experience being one of five kids. Last week, my family went on a vacation where we were all happily reunited in California after my brother finished up film school and my sister moved out of the house. With all of that change, it was nice to be reminded of the reasons why I love my family so much, as well as the many things that epitomize what it means to be a part of a larger than average-sized family. Every little inside joke about our size and #bigfamilyprob made it apparent to me that a list must be created. And so, here are the perks and probs of life in a large family.
1. One Word: hand-me-downs.
2. When your mom goes grocery shopping, and the fridge looks like this:
And then the next day it looks like this
3. You have learned to defend your food at all costs.
Sometimes, extreme measures must be taken, and no one's food is safe.
4. There's that one kid that always gets left behind
Although its a rare occurrence, sometimes certain kids have a way of slipping through the cracks. My younger sister was notorious for being this child. We would accidentally leave her at restaurants, Disney World, you name it. She was always found in the end though, and that's all that really matters.
5. You have made your own lunch since kindergarten.
By age 7, I could have been considered a master sandwich-maker. Peanut butter and jelly was my specialty, though.
6. Family pictures take a lot more time and effort than they should, and usually they end up looking like this:
Can you say awkward family photo?
7. When your dad tries to yell your name and goes through every other child's name, even the dog's, before he gets to yours.
By the time he finally gets to your name, he can't even remember why he needed you in the first place.
8. There is no such thing as leaving the house without having to turn around and go back because something was forgotten.
First you walk outside with no car keys, go back in, find them and drive away. Then you realize your youngest sibling isn't wearing pants. Three return trips later, and finally you're off.
9. When the whole family eats out together and the receipt is three feet long so your waiter makes an origami heart with it.
Yeah. True story.
10. Feeling a certain camaraderie when you see other big families in public.
It seems like moms are obligated to swap encouraging looks with one another because of their mutual respect for each other.
11. The reaction a stranger gives your mom when they ask her how many kids she has:
Usually their reaction is followed by a, "Wow! You sure have your hands full!"
12. Growing up, you were never bored because there was always someone to play with you.
Stair sledding, photo shoots and making movies were among some of the things that our young creative minds came up with. Needless to say, we had fun together and got into loads of trouble.
13. And at the end of the day, you wouldn't trade your family for anything in the world.
When it comes to family, the cliche is true. Bigger really is better.
