Small families are happier families. Do you agree?

Small families may have only two or three children. They enjoy a lot of facilities and attention
from their parents. But are small families really happier than big families? I do not think so.

In a small family, the children may enjoy greater attention from their parents compared to those
from a big family. However, a person who comes from a small family may become overly-
dependent on his parents. He will feel helpless and miserable once his parents are not around. On
the other hand, a person who comes from a big family receives lesser attention from parents as
there are too many children in the family for the parents to focus on. Consequently, those who
come from a big family will learn to do things for themselves and become self – reliant. Through
this process, he gains extra skills, and his character is molded.

I do not agree that small families are happier families. If one comes from as mall family, one
does not have much company and can feel lonely at times. This problem is further aggravated
when both parents are working. Conversely, in a big family, there is much laughter and exchange
of news especially during festive occasions.

It is a fact that expenses are lesser in a small family. Thus, there is usually much leftover in food.
There is no need to rush for the bathroom in the morning too. Those from small families have
greater opportunities for overseas study. However, in large families, perhaps only the eldest child
or one child alone has that chance. What about the others? Well, it is common for the working
brother or sister to help pay for the younger siblings’ education. This promotes cooperation and
brotherly or sisterly love.
Some people say that quarrels occur more often in a big family because the members of a large
family have to share rooms, beds and even tables. Siblings may argue with one another over
space but quarrels among brothers and sisters are very common. As long as they make up with
each other eventually, such quarrels are never serious. In fact, those who never share their things
may grow up to be selfish and unsociable.

In times of emergency, those who come from big families possess a big group of friends to rely
on. If one member has a problem, the others can sit down to discuss a solution. However, in a
small family, only a few people are involved in solving the problem and so there is a lack of
ideas and manpower. Even when there are no problems, the more people the better as in the
saying, More hands make light work.

In conclusion, small families are not necessarily happier families. It all depends on the concern
and cooperation amongst the members of the family. Good and understanding parents normally
create happier families. However, in general, I believe that big families have many reasons to be
happy. Therefore, I do not agree that small families are happier families.