I grew up in a family of 10. My siblings and I had household responsibilities, and I'm raising my kids to be independent, too.

The author (not pictured) grew up in a large family.

Adam Angelides/Getty Images

• Laura Wallace, 42, grew up in a family of 10.
• She says she and her siblings all had their own responsibilities around the house.
• She also believes there are pros and cons to having a big family.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Laura Wallace, a 42-year-old from Melbourne, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

As one of eight kids, growing...