In the worlds of Instasamka and Haga Vaga, where the lure of success and a carefree lifestyle shines, large families are increasingly becoming a rarity, much like dinosaurs. On World Children’s Day, the question lingers: why is this trend taking hold?
Russia still hosts larger families, yet they remain outnumbered and often attract more attention. In the 1990s, societies labeled those with many children as bothersome—Tabor, a crowd of gypsies, ragamuffins. Those memories linger for many Russians even as the situation has shifted. The question remains whether government aid alone is enough to make large families mainstream, and what society currently does about families with three or more children.
From the perspective of a mother of four, state support is a meaningful lifeline. Various certificates, payments, free children’s camps, and monthly cultural activities on the second Thursday of each month provide tangible relief. Yet there is a desire for societal backing as well. The state often frames large families as financially fragile, which complicates broader acceptance and support from the public. How can birth rates be sustained and large families thrive when policy signals ambiguity about long-term stability?
To receive real benefits, a family must often demonstrate hardship—essentially a modern poverty test. This creates a paradox. How can a country encourage larger families while simultaneously maintaining wage standards that keep mothers from balancing work and home life? The question extends beyond money: how can the state avoid labeling large families as poor while continuing to protect and empower them? Should a modern, healthy, and energetic woman choose to work with help from a nanny and a steady income, or embrace a larger family managed primarily on one income and public assistance?
Large families can be thriving financially and emotionally. Mothers should not worry about whether the family budget on the child card is sufficient for essentials. Persistent uncertainty undermines a healthy home climate. If the state sustains robust support for all families with children, regardless of income, more households may consider expanding their families and investing in their futures.
Ultimately, a large family embodies wealth—rich in traditions, in love, and in happiness. Modern families with many children are active, energetic contributors to the economy, running businesses and employing others in the service sector. They contribute to the fabric of society and pay taxes that fund public services.
What is needed is not mercy but dignity, visible respect, and genuine support. Beyond financial aid, families seek emotional and medical backing: postpartum care and a yearly mental health check for mothers, accessible online retraining options, and the ability to work remotely without losing childcare benefits. The possibility of a government-supported nanny for a few hours each week could relieve daily pressures and empower parents to pursue personal and professional goals. Such measures could lead to higher birth rates and stronger family stability.
A large family can become a national emblem, a calling card of resilience. Mothers and fathers are not less capable than athletes; their daily dedication to parenting mirrors the discipline seen in sports. There are no breaks from raising children, and public recognition of this effort matters. Media coverage celebrating households with many children—featuring families from cities and villages, alongside athletes, politicians, and cultural figures who hail from multi-child backgrounds—could reshape perceptions.
Perhaps the perspective needs to flip: if wealth exists, it should be used to nurture a growing family. Abundant resources, knowledge, and opportunities can be shared across generations. The media could help present children as a form of wealth rather than a burden, countering the stereotype of unhappy, dependent extended families. The aim is to portray large families as vibrant, capable, and deserving of support rather than pity.
In summary, modern, lively, and hopeful families with many children are ready to contribute to society without apology. They seek support and respect—financial, moral, and medical—so they can thrive and inspire others to pursue family life with confidence.