According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average family household size in 2010 was 3.24 people. That means that most students have only two or three siblings, or none at all. However, for the Orr family, the family household size is 11.
“There’s my mom and dad, then Stesha, who is 21, Sariah is 19, then there’s me, and I’m 17,” senior Savannah Orr said. “Jacob is 15, Shianne is 12, John is 11, Joey is 5, Suzy is 3, and Sophia is 7 months old.”
In addition to their 7 biological children, the Orr’s adopted brother and sister Shianne and John from an early age.
“I don’t think having that many kids was my parent’s original plan,” Orr said. “They had their first couple of kids, then we heard about John and Shianne, who we really wanted to include in our family. The adoption took several years.”
“After that, Joey came along, who was supposed to be the last kid, then Suzy came along, and she was supposed to be the last kid, and now we have little Sophia, who is definitely the last kid.”
Because of her numerous siblings, Orr has added responsibility around the house.
“As one of the older kids, I have a lot of responsibility,” Orr said. “I have to watch the kids a lot to make sure they’re okay, and being sure that I’m a good example for them.”
Savannah isn’t the only one of her siblings with extra household duties.
“I’m the exact middle of the family, there’s four younger than me and four older than me,” Savannah’s twelve year old sister Shianne said. “A lot of times, the bigger girls will be gone, usually with work. That’s when I can step in to help with the kids so my mom can catch up on some sleep.”
However, despite the work, a bigger family is definitely agreeable to all.
“I like having a big family because I love all the friends and family I’m surrounded by,” Savannah’s five year old brother Joey said.
“Sometimes when you’re mad or upset you can talk with them,” Shianne said. “Also, there are more people to hang out with.”
Savannah agrees with her brother and sister.
“It’s nice to know that in a big family, you’re never alone when you need help. If you’re ever really feeling down, you have all your family to help you out.”
