​5 Blessings of a Family That Spans the Ages

Our oldest child will turn 24 in a couple of weeks, and our youngest turned 6 in January. To say that we have a huge age range in our family would be a big understatement.

I have been surprised to learn of how many families face this dynamic in our current culture.

Many people have asked questions about how we make it work, or what the challenges are that we face. These questions are often filled with a great deal of curiosity and wonder.

For us in Rossiterville, it is the norm and we can’t imagine our family any other way.

​We agree that the blessings far out way the challenges.

Let me share with you today a few of the blessings we have discovered along the way.

1. The older children really do love, care for, and invest in their younger siblings.

I was just telling my coworkers the other day how glad I am that I spent so much time training the older set in our family. A small example would be teaching my older girls how to do their hair, how to dress, and how to put the proper emphasis on appearance. Rarely do I fix one of the little girls' hair or pick out an outfit. The older girls have taken it upon themselves to transfer what I handed them. They often enjoy this and it takes the pressure off of me because if a big sister picks it out it has to be awesome. This is also true of the male side of the siblings. When it comes to sports, wearing deodorant, or even how to treat ladies, there is no lack of advice. I hear words that their dad has said being mimicked on many occasions. It truly is a blessing to see in action.

2. The responsibility of the older children translates into great life preparation and skills.

By means of necessity, there have been many things that my older children have had to learn to accomplish in order to see our home run and function properly. From cooking to laundry there is no time for slacking. All of my older ones will leave our home knowing how to run a home and make it efficient. Most of this, I believe, they learned by observation more than anything else. I am so thankful for this benefit. I know God will use this as they walk into the future He has for them. ​

3. The younger children receive the blessing of being part of the older siblings lives.

My little people absolutely love tagging along with their older siblings. Now I must confess that this is not always met with the same enthusiasm by the older ones. However, most of the time they enjoy companionship as well. My little ones have made signs for big games, helped prepare party food, and even dressed up in costumes to be included in all the fun. Although the little ones may not get as much attention from me as I was able to give the older ones while they were young, they get to be involved with a host of activities and community that helps broaden their experiences.

4. The younger children have built-in role models.

Now, this part of the dynamic can have both positive and negative results. There have been times when idolizing a teenager who is being all that stereotype entails has had questionable results. But I have found for the most part that this has been a great tool in forming and shaping the younger ones. Watching the little ones soak up the leadership traits and character that God is developing in their older siblings is a joy that fills a parent’s heart with gratitude.

5. There is a sense of belonging between the generations.

Sitting around our table for Easter dinner you would have heard the voices of a 24-year-old all the way down to a 6-year-old sharing sweet memories. Being part of a family that can share so much history and growth because of the span of years draws each member of the family to embrace their place. This fruit of our dynamic reaps daily rewards. I have seen it give my children confidence when they feel lonely or fearful. There have been times when the Lord has placed us in situations where we were all each other had. Thankfully, as a Rossiter, you still feel like you are in a majority. What an unspeakable gift.

The Apostle John said in 3 John 1:4,

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.” 

My husband and I desire that through every season and in every generation our children would seek truth and live it out to the glory of God. It is amazing to have a front-row seat to where His grace is leading our older ones, and in that same way impacting our younger ones for His purpose and plan for the future.

If you have a family that spans the ages, we'd love to read what blessings you have discovered along the way!