Living in a bustling household filled with children creates a unique kind of joy and chaos. From the laughter that fills every corner to the mess that seems to multiply, having a large family means life is always lively. But what exactly qualifies as a “large” family? Opinions vary, but if you find yourself nodding along to these signs, you might just belong to one!
- You carefully scan the details of “kids eat free” promotions.
- You know that adding all your kids to a family membership at the local science museum will cost you extra.
- It’s a given that you’ll always have kids the same age as those you meet.
- You spot another family and think, “Wow, they’re big!”—only to realize they have one child fewer than you.
- Board games require teams because there are just too many players!
- There’s a birthday celebration happening every week.
- Friends struggle to remember all your kids’ names, and even they aren’t sure how many you have.
- Someone is always ambling in front of you, moving at a snail’s pace.
- Your mudroom resembles a chaotic outerwear department at a store.
- Your kids might not know the joy of brand-new clothes.
- You not only double recipes but often triple them without a second thought.
- Your home is the go-to spot for playdates, thanks to the abundance of toys and friends.
- You can easily form a baseball or soccer team without needing to invite neighbors.
- Daily chores include at least two loads of laundry and dishes.
- A meal at a fast-food joint costs around $50, and for your kids, it’s the fanciest dining experience they’ve had.
- When you go out to a nice restaurant, you often get seated in the “special occasion” section.
- No outing is complete without hearing “You’ve got your hands full!” multiple times, even with just a few kids.
- Buying seven gallons of milk at once seems perfectly normal to you.
- You don’t blink when the grocery bagger wheels out two carts full of your purchases.
- Even with a full-sized van, there’s no room for any extra friends.
- Your vehicle turns heads in the parking lot, resembling a clown car when everyone exits.
- Travel-sized toothpaste barely lasts a day during family vacations.
- Your extended family circulates a birthday list during reunions to keep track of everyone.
- Family gatherings often require renting a venue because no one’s home is spacious enough.
- Thanksgiving dinner features multiple turkeys.
- Naming new babies is a challenge since most names you like are already taken.
- Christmas gift exchanges involve drawing names to manage the chaos.
- Personal rooms are a luxury that no one has.
- Outings with another family lead people to assume it’s a school field trip.
- Getting into the car feels reminiscent of a scene from Home Alone.
- Your oldest child is often mistaken for a parent of the youngest.
- By the time you finish dressing one kid for snow, another is already cold and wants to come inside.
- There’s always a child seeking a spot on your lap; as soon as one gets down, another climbs up.
- Capturing a decent family photo feels impossible; you’re just happy if only one child is crying.
- First-time guests stare in awe at your dining table, which is still not big enough when you have guests.
- It’s a sure sign of a big family if you arrive somewhere and realize at least one child is shoeless.
If you resonate with these experiences, you definitely have a sizable family! Celebrate this beautiful chaos, and maybe treat everyone to a meal at McDonald’s. The curious looks from onlookers? Just a sign they’re in awe of your wonderful crew. For more insights into family planning and parenting, check out our other blog posts, like this one on intracervical insemination. Also, for anyone on a fertility journey, Make A Mom offers great advice. And don’t forget to visit the CDC for excellent pregnancy resources!
Summary
Having a large family comes with its own set of joys and challenges, from the constant noise and mess to the love that fills every moment. If you’ve found yourself nodding along to the signs of big family life, you’re in good company. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the unique experiences that come with raising a full house!