The advantages of living/growing/surviving/thriving in a small family grouping may be negatively offset by having parents, at least the mother who is not committed to some enduring *values*. Disadvantages, possible boredom and loneliness.

It is open for discussion, of course, how a mother's philosophy, values and conduct carry over into what her offspring amount to.

Would you rather have a mother that was an exemplary pillar of strength in her large brood, or OYOH, one who would tend to blame all that happens on uncontrollable "outside" forces?

In brief: I would prefer high school graduated parents who even "wanted" me to go to college, but I went anyway. Something in *their* value system "made" me do it? (grin)

So, Shedevil, how was your boreal Canuck winter without being "amongus"?

Or?