Growing up in a large family is actually much better than most people think. Having more than a handful of siblings means you always have someone to play with, you are bound to have at least one person on your side during arguments (if the entire family is on the other side...you're probably the one in the wrong). Most importantly, you are blessed with lessons in tolerance, love, and respect...and a healthy dose of humor.
1. No one ever remembers how many of you there are.
"Wait...so how many siblings do you have?"
2. Privacy? What's that?
Shower curtains are an invaluable asset. Daily hygiene typically includes a sibling bellowing, "Is the shower curtain pulled?" as they barge into the bathroom.
3. "Dibs"
Dibs apply to any and every activity with your family: the first shower on the way home from a soccer game, the last toasted ravioli, the spot on the couch next to dad. Unfortunately, your parents also have the right to veto dibs...and this leads to assumptions about who their "favorite child" is.
4. People always just assume that you're Catholic.
Yep. We own that one with pride...unless the person asking is particularly snarky about it, then we might claim to be atheists, just to mess with them.
5. "Do your parents even own a TV?"
Yeah, we actually have three... but if you want to buy us another, you're more than welcome. Thanks for asking. *eye roll*
6. You cringe at the thought of having a roommate as an adult.
You shared a room for twenty-one years of your life and, while you treasure the memories, your expectations are based upon experience. Lights thrown on at 4:00 am for no reason, stinky pointe shoes littering the floor, "borrowed" makeup and clothing items. Why would anyone willingly plunge into that scenario without necessity?
7. Approval for any activity outside of the home hinged upon bringing a younger sibling along. It didn't matter if they were invited or not.
"You can go, as as long as your sister can go with you".
8. Your name might slip your parents' memory.
Mom might run through every sibling's name when trying to get our attention. Some might find that frustrating, but we really never cared. That always gave us the opportunity to grab an extra cookie, or claim confused, before she made eye contact and the gig was up. It always provided comic relief when she would accidentally include the dog's name in the list. "Guinness, stop playing the piano!"
9. Trying to watch a movie is, quite possibly, the most aggravating family activity imaginable.
It typically takes no less than thirty minutes to decide on a movie. Once a title has been chosen everyone rushes to claim a spot on the couch, chairs, floor - shouting out "dibs" on throw pillows, blankets, etc. A movie night has never existed that didn't involve pressing pause fifteen billion times because someone has to use the bathroom. You start out with the volume at an acceptable level and by the time the movie is over, you've reached max volume because your siblings don't know the meaning of silence.
10. Interactions with your siblings tend to raise more than a few eyebrows.
In a large family you learn at an early age the value of sarcasm. You have to hold your own in an argument, and a good comeback is priceless. If all else fails, and you don't feel as if you made your point, a full-on wrestling match might ensue. These tactics are all well and good at home, but in the aisle at Target...eyebrows might be raised.
11. Never underestimate the value of a good bribe.
When a wresting match goes awry, and a sibling is accidentally injured, the promise of something as small as a candy bar might prevent a week of unloading the dishwasher or scrubbing the bathroom.
12. The oldest child is the inherent guinea pig.
Your parents are super strict during your childhood, but tend to loosen the reins with the arrival of each subsequent child. The oldest child is a test run for every child-rearing suggestion known to man. Limited TV viewing, little to no sugar, early bedtimes, booster seat until you're eight...it's like growing up in a test lab. By the time the sixth child arrives the rules have relaxed to the point of non-existence. Cake for breakfast? Sure. Brush your teeth at midnight? At least he/she brushed their teeth! Carseats? Once you're five a seat belt is sufficient.
13. Grocery shopping for your family looks as if you are preparing for the apocalypse.
Four gallons of milk, three dozen eggs, three loaves of sandwich bread, six boxes of cereal...that's just the beginning, and it won't last the week.
14. Your wardrobe is their wardrobe.
When your sister walks into the house wearing your favorite t-shirt, you don't even raise an eyebrow.
15. You grew up with your best friends.
Sure, growing up with a lot of siblings can be trying at times, but I couldn't imagine my life without them. There's always a shoulder to cry on, laughter enough to make your belly hurt, and plenty of siblings to field an impromptu game of baseball. The life lessons are invaluable, the joy is incomparable, and the countless memories will be treasured forever.
