When my partner and I thought we had our family complete with two children, life threw us a delightful curveball. Just as our youngest was turning three and we finally waved goodbye to diapers, we found out we were expecting again! Now, with three kids, I can’t imagine life any other way. Of course, this change brought along a new set of dynamics and challenges. Here are some truths about parenting three kids that many will relate to:
- You Have More Kids Than Hands.
If your children are close in age, you’ll quickly find yourself learning to juggle using your knees, nose, and even toes! - You’re Outnumbered.
As the saying goes, “one is one, and two is twenty.” So, if two is twenty, then three must be…100? With more kids than adults in the house, you often find yourself wondering why you didn’t see this coming. - Your Oldest Seemed Way More Mature Than Your Youngest.
When your firstborn turned four, they felt so grown-up. By the time your third turns four, they seem like a baby. Expectations shift significantly across your kids. - Your Middle Child Often Gets Overlooked.
It’s a classic scenario: the first child enjoys the spotlight, the youngest receives a lot of pampering, and the middle child? Well, they get the short end of the stick. Middle kids often turn out to be the most creative. - Parenting Stress Levels Are Higher.
Studies indicate that more children lead to increased stress. You might have just enough kids to feel overwhelmed but not enough to let things slide. It’s a constant balancing act. - You’ll Definitely Need a Bigger Vehicle.
If you plan to transport anyone other than your immediate family, you’ll find that a minivan or an eight-seater SUV becomes a necessity. Especially if you have multiple little ones in carseats! - Child-Rearing Effort Grows Exponentially.
If two kids double the work, three kids quadruple it. The noise, the chaos, and the sheer amount of attention required mean you’ll often wonder how families with more than three kids manage. - Sleep Becomes a Distant Memory.
The idea of sleeping through the night gets fuzzy after your third child arrives. Between nightmares and late-night talks, sleep becomes a rare luxury. - You’ll Often Question Where Your Money Went.
Setting aside funds for your first child’s college feels manageable. By the time the third arrives, you might be dreaming of scholarships. Extracurricular activities and grocery bills can add up quickly! - Flying as a Family Gets Expensive.
Buying airplane tickets for five people can be staggering. A budget flight suddenly turns into a hefty expense; road trips become the go-to for family vacations. - Hotel Accommodations Can Be Tricky.
While a hotel room fits four perfectly, squeezing five in requires a pullout couch or rollaway bed. Sometimes, it means your kids will have to negotiate sleeping arrangements. - Someone Always Feels Left Out.
With three kids, any game made for two becomes exclusive. Whether it’s a restaurant seating arrangement or sharing a cookie, it can lead to mini crises. - Finding Movies Everyone Can Enjoy Is Challenging.
Age differences mean family movie nights can feel impossible. With preferences spanning from toddler shows to teen thrillers, you may end up watching the same film on repeat just to keep the peace. - Game Night Comes with Its Own Set of Issues.
Family game nights might sound fun, but after years of playing the same games, you might find yourself wishing for a little peace and quiet. - One Kid Gone Feels Like a Mini Vacation.
Taking one child out for a day dramatically lightens your load. Suddenly, having two kids seems far more manageable. - Photo Albums Are Unequal.
Your firstborn’s baby book is a masterpiece, while your third’s photos are likely buried on your computer. - Bedtime Becomes a Marathon.
Each child has a different bedtime, leading to a drawn-out process that can take hours. You’ll find yourself wondering how you ended up in this nightly circus. - Sometimes, You Have to Call for Silence.
There are moments when you just need quiet. You might find yourself issuing a “no talking” policy for a few minutes of peace. - You Truly Appreciate Each Child’s Uniqueness.
While the second child gives you a hint, the third really drives home the point that kids are inherently different, regardless of parenting styles. - Your Love Grows With Each Child.
No matter how chaotic it gets, you realize your capacity for love expands with every child you welcome into your life. Even if a fourth were to come along, you’d embrace that little one just as fiercely.
While we didn’t plan for a third child, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Life with three can be hectic, but it’s also full of love and laughter. Our family of five feels just right.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this article. You can also explore expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination at this link. And for a deeper understanding of fertility journeys, visit Make A Mom.
Summary:
Raising three kids brings about a unique set of challenges and joys. From feeling outnumbered and juggling bedtime routines to realizing the distinct personalities of each child, parents often find their lives both chaotic and fulfilling. Despite the stress and financial strain, the love for each child grows immensely, creating a family dynamic that’s truly special.