6 Things Only Kids of a Large Family Experience

I grew up in a large family. I was 3rd of 6 kids, right in the middle of four brothers until my baby sister came along. I loved growing up in a big family. There was always someone to play with, or to pester, and always lots happening. If you grew up in a large family, too, you’ll be able to perfectly relate to these 6 things that only children that came from large families understand!

I received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. 

6 Things Only Kids of a Large Family Experience

1. You were always called the wrong name.

My mom was absolutely notorious with this. I would get the entire list of all 5 other kids, and sometimes my dad’s name thrown in, before my mom would finally land on my name or resort to saying, “Whatever your name is!” I swore I would never do this, but with five boys of my own, I’m right where my mom was, now repeating history, calling out a chain of names until I get to the right one. Sorry kids!

2. Everyone crammed and squished into the car. 

We had an 8-seater car growing up, which means we just barely fit. If friends or an extra family member wanted to come along, we’d usually cram them in. There was never elbow room, and constant bickering about who would get which spot. I was always in the middle, squished in the center. Of course, there was always shouts of “calling” spots and claiming “shotgun” before anyone else could.

3. You had to share a bedroom and everything else.

Occasionally, the rotation to the elusive own bedroom would land on us, but most of the time there were two or three of us cramped into each room. It wasn’t all bad, when you got sent to your room in trouble, at least you had someone to play with. Everything else you owned was always community property, too. The clothes, toys, books – they all got passed around and shared between the ranks.

4. You had to wait your turn for an extra curricular activity. 

Parents couldn’t afford the expense of everyone being in a sport or club at the same time – and even if they could there wasn’t enough time. You had to wait for your turn to come around, or join the same sport your sibling picked.

5. Everyone shovels in every meal as fast as possible.

I’m a crazy fast eater. It is just a part of me from my upbringing. In a large family, if you don’t eat quickly, you’ll never get leftovers. Plus, everyone had to help chip into the meal prep. We had an assignment for our grilled cheese and tomato soup routine we’d have every Sunday. Someone would butter, slice, flip, mix and heat the soup, grab the plates and soup cups.

6. Your family is loud and crazy; you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

There’s no doubt a large family has a lot of noise and always so much going on and happening all around you. Despite all that, and the other antics of a large family, you love everything about the craziness of your family and are happy to be apart of it. You know someone will always have your back. Plus, every day you can play with a different sibling so you always have a friend to play with and grow up with.

Growing Up McGhee

The McGhee family gets the chaos, and fun, of a large family. They tried for 10 years to have children before their sextuplets arrived! They share their journey with the chaos and demands of a large family in the series “Growing Up McGhee.”

Photo Credit: Janine and Brian Killian/Peters Photography

The family went viral with this gorgeous print with a litter of newborns surrounding dad that was taken 5 years ago. Now, the family is past diaper changes and bottle feedings, but they’re facing a whole new series of challenges with 6 completely unique personalities and differences in each of their children as they try to manage a large family, a family business, and try to find alone time as well as plan a family spring break trip! Whether you grew up in a big or small family, you’ll love watching the McGhee’s as they tackle and overcome the challenges and joys of a large family.

Here’s their fun trailer introduction to the series:

Growing Up McGhee airs a new episode each Wednesdays 9pm EST on UPtv. Check in each week with parents Ro and Mia McGhee and their crew of sextuplets.

What was your favorite part of being in a large family?