Why I Love Big Families

by Candace Green

I am very passionate about anything that relates to family. I realize that the size of a family doesn't measure the amount love, togetherness, quality or parental ability. However from personal experience I have reaped the benefits and blessings that come with a big family. First I will abbreviate a some brief reasons there are not many big families.

American Culture Versus Big Families: I know that seems like a strong statement, but the America today compared to the America of yesterday proves a decline in large families. One source of the decline ( WHICH I AM NOT AGAINST) is adequate birth control. That is a big reason why we don't see ten to fifteen children in families obviously. Also more people are tying tubes, going through a hysterectomy or vesectomy ect. I am completely understanding of families planning how many children they want and I recognize the physical aspects also.

ABORTION: Since abortion was legalized thousands of babies never had an opportunity to be part of a family so that has been one vast contribution to the decline. If adoption had been considered the thousands of barren, longing or anxious couples that line the waiting lists would beam as they hold a bundle that some teen girl gave up for a good life.

SELFISHNESS: Our media and culture examples often put large families to shame for power, political, lucrative,prestiege,prideful and personal gain reasons. Not everyone but many snoot or belittle the big family as if they are less fortunate.

WE ARE RICH!!!! Some who have not been able to have children look at us in this way too.

I am from a family with five children and here are reasons I know WE ARE RICH!!

The atmosphere of our home was always filled with life, love noise, flying toys, fights broken up, praise, disipline, a table with alot of food, giggles, arguing, tug of war, piggyback rides, nose and bottom wiping, cheering everytime the two year old made a toilet deposit, huggs, kisses, spying on big sister, church dressing stampede, carrying our younger sibblings on our hip and lots lots more.

Sounds Hectic? You are absolutely right, but the whole handful of us created some of the most exciting memories that make us roar in laughter to this day. Because I had younger sibblings I learned how to be a mother at a young age. I observed from newborn to letting go...I had hands on childrearing classes feeding, changing, rocking, kissing and teaching my little brothers.

Money: Who cares? Yes, we all want and need money, but I appreciate living in a big family. I learned how to appreciate and value the small things. Money never satisfies, but family makes you rich when you have everything, but money. I look back now and some of the presents that meant the most didn't cost alot. I learned to work, be creative, consider others ( because I wasn't the only ducky in the puddle). I learned to be a leader and a follower of good things ( my big sister inspired me to be a songwriter). I learned to honor my parents. They have taught me alot about life. A big family often experiences unjust accusations, finacial hardships, self-sacrifice, cruel gestures, but every last one of these characteristics prepared me for adulthood. These lessons has taught me to be strong to stand up for right, build relationships that last, live for what really matteres, be creative and find my purpose. I never felt cheated we had more fun than anyone should be alowed to have and the times that didn't seem too fun at the time created volumes of lessons, comedy and precious memories.

As a mother of four, I have stepped in my mothers shoes, I hear her voice everytime I whale at my toddler for using the floor as a potty or as I try to find the right cleaner that will remove crayon art from the wall. I feel her kiss as I demonstrate on my babies boo boo. Though I seemed to have applied for a job that consists of piles of laundry, sorting through scattered toys, cooking, cleaning, educating and you know all that mother stuff times each kid I still don't charge a dime. Cause just like it is with my sis and brothers I am creating a legacy that in 20 years or less will be a mountain of memories and I will be surrounded by a host of love and happiness enjoying what God has given me. I will never have to die shut up somewhere with no love to take me out, but I will leave this world full and someday have a eternal BIG FAMILY REUNION.