A memorable scene from the movie Cheaper by the Dozen, opens with the Baker family sitting around the breakfast table. There is constant screaming as food flies and different hands are reach in ten different directions. The house is cluttered with everything from clothes to bicycles and toys. Although this family is portrayed as purely chaotic, in reality is this way that big families function?

Although Cheaper by the Dozen portrays big families as constantly chaotic, our own CHS students let the Observer in on what it is like living in a real life big family.

When most people think about big families, noise is one of the first things to come to mind. In every family, there is bound to be noise but living in a house with double the average number of kids, the amount of noise is bound to be greater.

According to freshman Bret Sickels, Who is the third oldest of six kids his house can get loud at times.

“My house is really loud so sometimes I get headaches,” Sickels said.

Another aspect of big families is the fighting. In Cheaper by the Dozen, the family is often times faced with fights, sometimes small, petty fights but other times large enough to affect the entire family. Like most families, fights may be common, but with more kids living at home, the chance of possible conflicts leading to fights is higher.

According to junior Peyton Plummer, her house is always crazy and noisy. There are fights all the time, even multiple times a day.

In today’s world, the everyday person is busy because of over scheduling. However, in a family with more kids, there are more activities outside of school, which creates more stress to get to every activity throughout the week. There is also pressure on the family to be present at all events, from sports games to recitals.

“Sometimes, my parents can’t come to my football games,” Sickels said.

The issue of traveling can also come as a challenge. The common difficulties of keeping everything and everyone organized only increases with more people. Some big families limit their travel time because of the huge responsibility while others find their own solutions.

“We have one huge van that we use to go to the beach during the summer and we also squish in with all of our beach stuff and bags,” junior Kristen Fagen who has five brothers and sisters said.

Although having a big family has its share of difficulties, living with many siblings can help to bring the entire family closer and instill traditional family values. Having a large family can help teach the importance of spending time with one another as well.

“We have a family dinner together every night” Sickels said.

Whether it be a game an argument or even an interesting discussion being part of a large family means there is usually sometimes going on. With so many people constantly around, it can be hard to find time for your self but can also be a comfort to know that people are always there.

“I always have something to do and someone to hangout with,” Fagen said. “It’s definitely never boring.”