We have always had labs and love them all. Labs can be the most amazing family pets - adaptable, smart, loving, and tolerant of kids and commotion. That being said..... As everyone has mentioned, they are work (but of course all dogs are). They are high energy, which is great when kids want to play and run around, but they are going to need that exercise every day no matter what's going on or what the weather is or anything else. If they aren't exercised well, and they get bored, they can get destructive. We've had labs chew up furniture, shoes, parts of the wall, all when they've been left alone too long and not had enough exercise or mental stimulation. Labs are very smart and generally easily trainable but they take a commitment to do the training.
The shedding can be an issue, but it doesn't even register for me at this point. We have a robot vacuum that runs every day while we are at work and that keeps the hair under control (as long as I remember to empty it daily). They blow their coats twice a year and that can be a little more of a problem, but nothing a good brush and a little time can't fix.
I agree with others that puppies are a lot of work and I really recommend you think about if your family is ready for that. I've raised labs from puppy as well as gotten rescues that were older. Raising from puppyhood is a great experience, but it's a whole lot like having newborn, a toddler and a teenager all at once. It's okay if a puppy doesn't fit your families life right now. There are a lot of really great adult labs up for adoption.
Margaret
DD1- 2/14/05
DD2- 9/24/07