It may feel like a constant battle for attention, while the noise levels might bring them perilously close to earning an ASBO. Even so, there are clearly great benefits to being a member of a big family. If you're one of many, and at times it feels like a madhouse, remind yourself of the following:

By default, you're a social animal

You'll know how to make friends, and even influence them, due to all those years finding your feet among a horde of siblings. Mark White, one of 10, agrees. "It was great always having someone around to get up to mischief with, ask for advice or help with homework," he says. "The advice network still exists between us, although there's less homework and mischief now!"

You're a team player

You know how to fit into a situation, and fast. This can only be of benefit to you, whether you're at work or play.

You know how to share skills

Just as your older siblings would've shown you a trick or two, from eating with a fork to blagging your way the front of a club queue, so you'll have offered your own insight to those brothers and sisters further down the food chain.

You're a peacemaker

With the chances of conflict riding high in your household, you'll know how to calm a fire before it turns into a blaze.

Your parents are likely to be more relaxed than most

After the first two or three kids, chances are they are relaxed about hassling you to brush your teeth . Dominic Frank, the youngest of four, points out that his parents' exhaustion had its benefits. "They were so tired after raising the first three kids that I could get away with anything. When I first lit up in my room, I'm not sure they even noticed."

Updated: 07/06/2011

Written by Mike White