Updated: May 4, 2020
Originally Published: March 23, 2016
Living in a large family is an experience like no other. With a bustling household, everything—from chaos to affection to noise—seems magnified. So how many children does it take to be considered a “big” family? It varies depending on who you ask, but you know you belong to a large family when…
- You meticulously check the fine print on “kids eat free” promotions.
- You realize that adding all your children to a family membership at the science center will incur extra fees.
- You meet someone new and discover your kids are the same age as theirs.
- You see another family and think, “Wow, they have a lot of kids!” only to count and find they have one fewer than you.
- When it’s game night, you have to form teams to accommodate everyone.
- There’s always someone celebrating a birthday in your household.
- Despite how many times you tell them, friends often forget your children’s names; even they can’t keep track.
- There’s always someone walking ahead of you at a snail’s pace.
- Your mudroom resembles a chaotic outerwear department, overflowing with jackets and shoes.
- Your kids have never owned brand-new clothing.
- You routinely triple recipes, and it feels entirely normal.
- Other kids prefer to hang out at your home because it’s packed with toys and playmates of all ages.
- You can spontaneously organize a game of baseball or soccer without needing to invite neighbors.
- Your everyday routine involves at least two loads of dishes and laundry.
- A meal at McDonald’s costs around $50—it’s practically the fanciest dining experience your children have had.
- When dining out, you often find yourselves in the special occasion section of restaurants.
- You’ve heard “You’ve got your hands full!” countless times, even with only a few kids in tow.
- Buying seven gallons of milk at once is completely normal for you.
- You don’t flinch when a grocery bagger uses two carts to pack your items.
- Your full-sized van is packed so tightly that there’s no room for a friend to join the ride.
- The look on people’s faces when your whole family exits the vehicle resembles that of a clown car.
- A travel-sized tube of toothpaste wouldn’t last more than a day or two on vacation with your crew.
- Your extended family circulates a comprehensive birthday list during reunions.
- You often rent venues for family gatherings because no one’s home can accommodate everyone.
- Thanksgiving requires more than one turkey to feed the crew.
- Naming your children becomes a challenge because every name you love has already been claimed by relatives.
- During Christmas, your kids draw names to determine who they will gift.
- Personal bedrooms are a luxury no one enjoys.
- When out with another family, people assume it’s a school outing or community group event.
- Getting in the car resembles a scene from Home Alone, chaotic and hectic.
- You’ve had your oldest child mistaken for the youngest’s parent on multiple occasions.
- By the time you help one child get ready for the cold, another is already asking to come inside.
- Someone is always vying for a spot on your lap; as soon as one leaves, another climbs up.
- Achieving a family photo where everyone looks good is a pipe dream. You’re grateful if only one child is crying or making a silly face.
- First-time visitors are often amazed by the size of your dining table, which still requires folding chairs for guests.
- You know you have a large family if you arrive somewhere only to realize at least one child isn’t wearing shoes.
If you resonate with these signs, you undoubtedly belong to a big family. Congratulations! Now gather everyone for a celebratory outing at McDonald’s and embrace the curious stares from onlookers; they’re simply amazed at how much joy you can fit into one family.
For more insights on family planning, check out our post on using a home insemination kit or learn more about the journey of Emma and Alex on building a family with a known donor. If you’re exploring options for pregnancy and home insemination, this resource on treating infertility can provide valuable information.