When they get a bit older (maybe 7, 8 years old?), the kids, too, have serviceable arms and laps for the younger ones. It’s a mistake to think kids are just love-needers. They are also love-givers. More kids, more love to go around.
I learned that one as a "middle child" ... I can remember my big sister taking care of me ... then ... I got to watch over the little brother ... It all seemed to work out.
I'm astonished, today, to hear parents complain about having to do all the housework ... going into excruciating detail ... then find out that their perfectly able-bodied and able-minded >8yo kids do exactly NO chores. Zip. Nada.
D'OH!!!!!!