My daughter was dependent on me exclusively. When her younger sister came along, with time, they entertained each other. The family unit became the flint against which the children ignited the flames of their manifold talents and abilities. Another benefit, in my experience, has been the way in which children use the family as a testing ground for developing their social skills. A large family provides an ideal laboratory for the definition of interpersonal competence.
Parents know that no matter how many children they have no two are ever alike.
Curiously, just when we think we have it down pat, the Almighty in his unfathomable wisdom and sense of humor dispatches to us yet another unique model. It is always a delightful but humbling experience to learn that each child comes with their very distinct personality, character, strengths, and weaknesses. Having experienced many siblings of different temperaments they will be better equipped to handle challenging social situations, not necessarily of their choice. Part of the occupational hazard or definition of being a parent in both large and small families is a feeling of insufficiency, of second guessing ourselves and beating ourselves up over our perceived limitations. Most importantly perhaps, I tried to be mindful of my blessings.