Full house, fuller hearts

PETALING JAYA: Growing up in a large family brings both challenges and rewards, but for those who have lived it, the experience is priceless.

For 37-year-old Sabahan Nurina Md Basir, growing up with 12 other siblings was a colourful and cherished experience filled with laughter, love, and lifelong lessons.

“Our house was always lively with the diverse personalities of our siblings.

“We didn’t need outsiders; there were always people around to share our joys and sorrows,” said the housewife.

Nurina with her siblings and extended family members.

Nurina recalled helping her parents and siblings by working during school holidays to afford basic needs.

“There were times we’d share one plate of food when dishes were scarce. That’s part of our childhood history,” she said, adding that they continue to share and support one another.

She admitted that with many siblings, parental attention was naturally spread thinly.

“But our parents never showed favouritism. Their love was equal for all of us, even now, long after they’ve passed away,” said Nurina, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.   

She said her siblings remain close and united, holding on tightly to their parents’ values.

Nurina believes that being raised in a big family naturally instils responsibility, maturity, and gratitude.

“The environment shaped us to be more understanding and appreciative of whatever we have in life,” she added.

Pharmacist Rabiatul Adawiyah Binti Ahmad Rosdy said growing up with 10 siblings shaped her into a responsible and independent individual.

She shared that having many siblings taught her the value of cooperation, patience, empathy, and sharing, especially during tough times.

“Our house was always bustling with life, especially during festive seasons when everyone returned home,” said the 32-year-old from Sungai Besar, Selangor.

 

Rabiatul with her family during the Hari Raya celebration this year.

Despite financial challenges during her childhood, Rabiatul recalled how her parents worked multiple jobs to support their children’s education.

Rabiatul said that one of the biggest challenges was the limited attention each child received from their parents, sometimes leading to feelings of neglect or sibling rivalry.

However, those difficulties became opportunities to learn tolerance and empathy.

“Growing up, we took care of each other, helped with chores, and made decisions early. These became valuable life skills,” said the fifth born.

She and her siblings continue to support one another and share the responsibility of caring for their ageing parents.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Wan Atikah Wan Hamidon said growing up with nine other siblings in Jerantut, Pahang, shaped her into a resilient, adaptable, and responsible individual.

Matching outfits for Hari Raya: Wan Atikah with her siblings and extended family members, including nieces and nephews, as well as in-laws.

She said her upbringing helped lay the foundation for her adult life.

“It was always lively and we had a strong support system.

 “Whenever I needed advice, I could count on my siblings, as they know me better than anyone else.

“And thanks to our parents’ focus on education and religion, we turned quite successful,” she said.

She said growing up with many siblings came with financial struggles, as her father was the sole breadwinner.

Despite the challenge, they were never deprived of their basic needs.

“We were poor, but never hungry. My mother sold nasi lemak and kuih on the side.

“Government assistance really helped too, especially as we were living in a rural area,” she said.

She said that with many siblings, resources and attention had to be shared.

“We learned early not to be selfish. We shared everything, our room, clothes and even ambitions.

“Older siblings often sacrificed to support the younger ones, which fostered a strong bond,” she said.

She said her childhood also taught her independence.

“You can’t rely on others to do things for you. We helped with chores from a young age and tried not to trouble our parents who were already doing so much,” she said.