Life with a large family

Does 'bigger' equal 'better' when it comes to family size? We look at the pros and cons of large-family living

Planning to have three or more children is a braver consideration today than it might have been a generation ago. Space really is at a premium, with the cost of housing rocketing and Stamp Duty putting paid to many couples' ambitions to upsize. Standard saloon cars cater for a maximum of three children and two parents - meaning that taking a grandparent or friend on a family day out involves two cars or a people carrier. Prohibitive childcare costs are actually dictating family size in many households.

For those couples whose families have expanded beyond the 'norm' of 1.64 children - by accident or design - everyday life can be rewarding, adrenalin-charged, emotionally demanding, exhausting and thrilling, often all at once. Furthermore, larger families provide a valuable contribution to the future population of the country, says spokesperson for the Wolverhampton Child and Family Service, Alistair Scott - himself a father of four, with a fifth on the way. 'There's a real need for more children,' he says. 'It's in the interests of society as a whole.

'In Italy, where the re-population rate is only half what it needs to be, the government has had to look at making payments to people as an incentive to have families. Scotland used to have a population of 6 million people and now has 4.5, and England could follow suit. Many couples leave it late to start a family, and some have only one child, so large families are helping to redress the balance.'

Rewards

As parents, you'll have more chances to experience the joys of early parenthood than the average family. 'It's fun to have a larger family; people needn't be afraid of it, even though it's no longer considered the norm,' says Scott.

Children are more likely to have company and someone to sound off to. It doesn't necessarily follow, of course, that there will be strong bonds between any of the family members. In families with two children, the kids often have a strong bond, especially if they are relatively close in age.

There are plenty of excuses for celebrations!
Everyone learns the art of sharing.
The children are more likely to appreciate the value of money - and of the non-material things in life. 'There are too many things you have to pay a lot of money for - but, equally, there are plenty of things you can go out as a family and do for free,' says Scott.
Parents gain a wealth of experience from raising each child.
Children may benefit from having a large extended family later in life.
In theory, many hands make light work!