What Are the Benefits of Having 4 Kids? Surprising Joys and Challenges

The Emotional Bond and Family Dynamics

Honestly, when you think about having a big family, the first things that come to mind might be chaos, mess, and a lack of sleep. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of those moments too! But, having four kids also comes with some incredible emotional rewards that are often overlooked. It’s not just about managing the logistics—there’s something deeply rewarding about the bond that forms between siblings and parents in a larger family.

Stronger Sibling Relationships

Well, let’s start with the siblings. I remember talking to my friend Maria, who has four kids, about how her kids have developed such strong bonds over time. She told me how they often work together to solve problems, play games, and look out for each other. Having four kids means there’s always someone there for your child. It’s not just about growing up with constant companionship—it’s about building resilience and empathy. The older kids often take on nurturing roles, and the younger ones learn from their siblings. It’s a beautiful cycle.

Increased Emotional Support for Parents

Another benefit that people don’t talk about enough is the support that comes from having a large family. Sure, there are more mouths to feed and more schedules to juggle, but having a larger family means there are more hands to help out, even in small ways. Honestly, there’s something comforting about knowing that no matter what life throws at you, your kids have each other’s backs—and yours. In those moments of overwhelm (and trust me, there are many), it’s reassuring to see your kids working together as a team.

Greater Family Bonding Experiences

Honestly, a lot of people think having a bigger family means more tension and less time to connect, but it’s actually the opposite for many families. With four kids, there are more chances to bond during family meals, vacations, or simply hanging out together.

Shared Activities and Special Moments

It’s funny, but when I spoke with another mom of four, Jessica, she shared how family vacations, although chaotic, are some of the best memories she has. Sure, packing for four kids is like packing for an army, but the payoff is huge. Everyone has their own little moments to shine, and you get to see your kids interact in unique ways during these experiences. It’s the kind of bonding that builds a strong family foundation that stays with them for life.

The Joy of Learning from Different Personalities

One thing that really stands out when you have four kids is how much you learn from their different personalities. Sure, it can be a lot to manage at times, but each child is so unique in their needs, interests, and ways of thinking. This diversity can actually be a huge blessing.

Cultivating Patience and Understanding

When I was chatting with a close friend of mine, Alex, who also has four kids, he mentioned how much patience he’s learned to have. “You think you know patience until you have to negotiate with a 4-year-old, a 7-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 13-year-old all at once,” he joked. But it’s true! Having four kids teaches you to be adaptable and understanding of different perspectives. They each bring their own challenges and joys, and learning how to meet their individual needs creates a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the world.

Embracing Differences

The variety of personalities in a family of four can actually enrich your own life as a parent. One of my other friends, Zoe, told me that her eldest is always looking for creative ways to solve problems, while her youngest is more laid-back and analytical. Watching them grow into their unique roles helps parents appreciate the beauty of individuality. As a parent, you get to experience how each child learns, grows, and contributes in their own way to the family dynamic.

Economic Considerations: How Four Kids Can Be Manageable

Okay, so let's not sugarcoat it—raising four kids isn’t always financially easy. But when you think about it, the economics of a bigger family don’t have to be a nightmare. With some strategic planning, having four kids can actually be more manageable than you think.

Cost Savings on Hand-Me-Downs and Group Activities

One thing I’ve noticed is how the costs of raising children can become more manageable with each additional child. Hand-me-downs are a lifesaver, especially for clothes, toys, and even school supplies. With my own experience, it’s much easier to buy in bulk or make investments that benefit multiple kids over time. This might sound like a small thing, but when you’re raising a bigger family, it all adds up. Plus, group activities like family memberships at museums or parks can be more economical when you have several kids.

Greater Flexibility with Family Size

Having four kids can also offer flexibility in how you handle child-related expenses. You might realize, for example, that with multiple children in different age groups, it’s easier to take advantage of discounts or more flexible scheduling for after-school programs. I remember when my cousin had her fourth child, she told me that the family adapted to the growing number of kids by becoming smarter with spending. It really makes a difference.

Conclusion: The Hidden Benefits of Having Four Kids

In the end, having four kids might seem daunting to some, but it comes with a host of unexpected benefits. From the strong emotional bonds to the greater family bonding experiences, there’s so much to gain from a larger family. Yes, there are challenges, and yes, it takes a lot of patience and organization, but the joy, love, and learning that comes from raising four kids is unmatched.

So, if you’re on the fence about expanding your family, remember—there are so many beautiful and surprising rewards waiting for you. Having four kids isn’t just about managing more chaos—it’s about embracing the richness of family life and growing together. Trust me, it’s worth every bit of it!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.