How To (Happily) Co-Exist In A Large Family

Ever looked at a family of 5 or more out and about and wonder: How do they do it? How do they survive being around that many people all the time without killing each other? There is no way to manage a home of that size! Well, I'm here to tell you that it is very possible, and is done everyday! With this simple five step guideline, I'm going to give you tips on how to live in a large family, without losing your marbles.

Tip One: Family Dinners

Having a large family can be quite a difficulty, especially when it comes to finding meals. It is a very rare occasion that everyone will agree on one single thing to eat. But, once that special meal is found, it is a good idea to sit down and partake of that meal as a family. This will allow everyone to sit down with each other, and enjoy each other's company while eating food. This simple gesture is great after a long day, when everyone has a story to tell. Moments like these do not have to happen often, but are important parts of healthy family dynamics.

Tip Two: Family Movie Night

Now, this is an act that requires two skills: patience and persistence. Since my family has seven people that range from ages 10 to 41, it can be quite difficult to find a movie that all seven of us want to watch, without being bored or horrified. The search for this movie can be quite lengthy, and it is quite tempting to simply give up on it. But, thankfully there are movies such as The Avengers and just about anything Disney to keep all of us entertained. Whenever you are searching for a film for the entire family, with varying ages, ask around and take votes on which film everyone can settle on. This will take some time, but it is important to make sure that everyone is satisfied with the final selection! This simple act brings families together every time.

Tip Three: Family Trips

In my opinion, it is important to engage in a family trip at least once. There is something quite exciting about getting away from home for a little while that gives the entire family a buzz. My family has enjoyed traveling to places such as: New Orleans, California, Disney World, Denver, Colorado, and even to Memphis Tennessee. My family prefers to fly to these locations, but I don’t mind taking a long road trip. It is very entertaining to be in a vehicle for some hours with the people that I love, even though there are bumps in the road. Keep in mind that every trip location does not have to be so lavish. A family outing can be as simple as going to the city park or going down for a picnic at the local lake. We have even “pretended” to go on vacation by simply camping in the backyard and stargazing. Simple moments like this, where you can get away from the world and enjoy family time, mean the most to me.

Tip Four: Communication

When you are part of a large family, it is easy to get swept up in all of the craziness that may go on inside or outside the house. It is important to always communicate with your family members, to understand how each of them is feeling to check up on their personal lives. This is especially crucial among siblings. You can change your friends, but you can never change your family. Brothers and sisters should take the time out of their day to talk to each other, in order to build their relationships. Little gestures like this shows how much you care, and will make the bond within the family stronger.

Tip Five: Remember What It Means To Be A Family

Being in a family means that you are with a group of people who will always support and love one another, no matter what. These are the people that will always side with you and will always be a part of you. I am thankful for my family every day of my life, because I know that without them and the things I have learned from each and every member, I would not be the person I am today. They taught me how to be patient with others, to always pray when I feel confused, and to know that no matter where life takes me, I will always have a home in them.