I can fairly say that it is better to raise kids in a large family. I myself have a large family (7 children) and am constantly being told how good my kids are, how mature, well mannered, and respectful they are. The same rings true for almost all large families. Let me tell you why.

When there are a lot of kids in the family, the children learn valuable life lessons early on. Every time a new baby is born the kids experience a new realm of love, and a whole other level of compassion opens in their hearts. There is never any jealousy or selfish thinking, only excitement and acceptance. The kids never get a chance to develop the thinking that the universe revolves around them. While each one is aware of his or her own importance, and how much we love them, they are aware of other people's feelings and the dynamics of relationships too. Their natural ability to love unconditionally is fostered and encouraged to blossom with many siblings.

Children in a large family do squabble about who had the toy first or who's been playing the video game the longest, but overall, kids with siblings know how to share and take turns much better than children from small families. They are more apt to play fair and show kindness to their playmates. My oldest (9 and 7) willingly hand over what they have to their younger siblings, not with an attitude, but with patience and understanding and I see that same behavior trickling down the line as each one grows a little older. I am confident that each one of my kids will, in their time, make wonderful parents themselves, hopefully even better than I! And if they choose a different path in life other than parenthood, I am confident that in anything they do, they will carry with them compassion, patience and selfless giving.

Another life lesson learned early on in large families is responsibility. It is imperative that as many hands as possible help out in a large family. So the kids become responsible at an early age for chores. Now this does not mean "child labor". Nothing is expected to be perfect and I do all the heavy cleaning, but still they are contributing the running of the house and learning a valuable lesson in responsibility. And of course there are rewards for jobs well done just as there are punishments or privileges taken away for poor behavior. Therefore, consequences for good and poor choices is learned and clearly understood. This is something nobody can argue the world needs more of in our youth!

Lastly, children in large families will always have playmates and loved ones. There is an overwhelming abundance of love going on all the time in our home. Nobody is ever lonely and whether they play in a group, or in pairs, there is always something to do. And as they grow, they will have each other to call on for help, support, advice, and so on.

While the life of a mom to many is loud, busy, and at times chaotic, I would never change a thing. My kids have been good for me, and good for each other.

Learn more about this author, Kelly Mastanduno.
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