I would just like to address the academic aspect of large families. I am one of 5 children, and we have all been on honor roll throughout our academic careers. My family made sacrifices so that everyone of us could go to private school, but none of us were ever wonting. We learned the value of money, and earned things. As for college, 3 of us are currently attending, and the other 2 will be in college in 2 years. Our parents help out with the first year of college, but it is our future, not truly their's. It is our responsibility to pay for college. I am paying for my own. After my first semester of college, I took over paying for my own schooling. It was scary, but I believe I am better off knowing how to handle my finances. I know plenty of only children or children from small families that are struggling in school and have no idea what their parents do to pay for their college education. They have never seen a bill, or filled out a loan application, or even filed a FAFSA. They are about to enter the work force expecting things to be handed to them and not knowing how to pay bills or deal with other financial requirements. I have lost nothing by being in a large family. If anything, I am glad to have such great friends in my siblings