Bigger families are happier – and here are 10 reasons why
Children – they bring chaos, confusion and craziness into our everyday lives. But, an Australian study has revealed that having more kids may be the key to greater happiness. As it turns out, despite the madness that parenting brings, bigger families are officially the happiest.
The study, from Perth’s Edith Cowan University, has found that families with four or more children enjoy the greatest life satisfaction based on the criteria of resilience, social support and self-esteem.
So if you are wanting to expand the brood, here’s the proof you may need to help convince your partner (and yourself) that bigger is actually better.
And on top of a scientific study, here are a few more good reasons to toss into the debate to really seal the deal …
1. Hand-me-downs actually get worn
All of those cute outfits that bub outgrew before you got to even try them on – well, they have a new owner now. And another owner after that. And after that. By the end of the clothing life, you can be sure you’ve got your money’s worth out of each outfit.
2. After three, you just stop stressing
Another study confirms that parents with four or more children are the least stressed, especially when compared to parents with three kids. Those fears with the first child get less and less as you go along. Turns out, four is the magic number for less stress and more happiness.
3. There are more chances to get it right … eventually
All of those first parent mistakes are usually a thing of the past by child #2. And it just keeps getting better and better with more trial and error. By four or more tries, you’re bound to do something right.
4. More hands … more help … more babysitters
By the fourth, they pretty much raise themselves, right? Well, maybe not, but you’re certainly more prepared for whatever comes your way and many older children are more than happy to help out with the younger ones.
5. “Go play with your siblings”
You’re busy. They’re bored. But they have each other now. And if two of them don’t get along, it’s okay – there’s back-up siblings to choose from!
Sure, this could swing the other way and mean more sibling fights, but odds are at least two of your kids will get along with one another. And, if you’re lucky, they all will once in a while.
6. Group activities just got easier
Kids want to play hide-n-seek or have a game of soccer? There are so many of them, they can easily play against one another without the need for you to invite more friends over or join in.
7. Plus, you can encourage them to form a band
Watch out Hanson.
8. Imperfection becomes the norm
After four or more kids, it is almost impossible to keep everything perfect. Chaos takes over and parents with more kids agree that this chaos is acceptable and not something to stress over.
And an organised household, even if it’s only for a few fleeting moments once a year, is something to get excited about.
Like Christmas. But cleaner.
9. Quadruple the cuddles, kisses and ‘I love you Mummy’s’
Think about all those special parenting moments you can to enjoy over and over again. The first time your baby looks at you? The first bubble bath? The first smile? The first laugh? The first real hug and the millions after that?
These parenting moments are worth the extra stress, the extra costs and the extra dirty dishes any day.
10. Finally, more kids means more grandkids
And the cycle of extra cuddles, kisses and chaos continues. But this time around, you get to give them back when they start to get whingy.