What being in a large family has taught us

This past weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to just sit back and watch my children interact with each other. Sometimes I am just blown away by the wonderful and unique relationships they have with each other. I was able to talk to them a little bit about what being in a large family has taught them and helped them become the kind of people they are.

So often times now-a-days large families are looked down upon. People are under the opinion that each child does not get enough individual attention or just plain 'get enough'.

Enough of what I’d like to ask?

Because if you ask me- we have the best. And together- we have it all.

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Being in a large family has taught my children that each one of us is unique and different – and that is okay. Actually, it’s downright wonderful.

Being in a large family has taught my children how to get along and respect all different kinds of people- as in – nationalities, race, sex, etc. However they still know how to remain true to who they are and I love that.

They have learned to be strong in their faith and strong in their confidence- while still being accepting of others who are different than they are.

Being in a large family has taught them to understand that it is okay if they are not the best, the most beautiful, the smartest, the funniest, or the fastest one in the crowd. It's okay to have different strengths and weaknesses. They are not perfect- and they are okay with that.

They have learned how to do things on their own and they know how to relate when in a group.

Being in a large family has taught them how to make friends and build a bond with a complete stranger- and how to be a loyal to that person through the years.

They have learned how to share, and how to accept that what they have been given is enough.

Being in a large family has taught them how to give, how to give in, and how to cheer on someone else, even at their own loss.

They have learned how to work hard for what they want and how to share what they have had to work for.

Being in a large family has taught them that their lives are not their own-or all about their own personal comfort. There are others need to consider- and other people who count just as much as they do.

They know how to work as a team, play like a team, and dream like a team.

Being in a large family has taught them how to communicate and compromise with those around them.

They have learned that different people have different opinions- and that is okay. They realize that even though you don’t necessarily always see eye to eye with someone else- you can still appreciate those differences without being nasty. And when arguments do occur- that it’s okay to disagree with someone else as long as you do it in a respectful manner and give the other person a chance to voice their opinion or concern.

Being in a large family they have learned that life is about relationships- not things. Their relationship with each other, and their relationship with God.