Yes, the tax law changed dramatically this year, and it affects individual taxpayers differently. In your case, it sounds like your Itemized Deductions weren't higher than the $24000 Standard Deduction for Married, Filing Joint returns. But with a family of 6, you would likely be able to claim the Child Tax Credit of $2000/qualifying child (under 17 years old), which is a refundable credit. If any family members are 17 or older, you may be able to claim the $500 Credit for Other Dependents (not refundable).
Check your return to see if each dependent shows up on your return, and if the box is checked for Child Credit or Credit for Other Dependents.
Another factor is that the income tax withholding tables changed in 2018, such that many taxpayers are seeing smaller refunds than they expect because less was withheld from their pay throughout the year. You could compare your W-2s from last year to this year to see if that's what's happened.
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