Growing up near cousins has been a gift for my five children

I'm one of four kids, so I know how fun it can be to grow up in a big family. My five children have lots of cousins nearby — a close-knit clan of 15 and counting, with ages from a few months to 17. My sister-in-law has seven children, so in comparison my brood feels small.

Sleepovers with nieces and nephews can be wild, but they're always a blast for the kids. I love the simple happiness they get from being together; in a world that often sells experiences, the best moments for them are at home with cousins. Yes, ten kids in the house means a lot of cleanup — and right now we're cycling through a stomach bug passed along after a sleepover — but it's worth it.

Having a sister-in-law with seven kids makes playdates an instant party and gives each child an age-appropriate playmate. My son is the only boy at home but has two male cousins to play with; my youngest daughter, who is five years younger than her siblings, gets peers to play with too.

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