Navigating the Parenting Journey: The Contrast Between Your First and Third Child

As a mom of three, I’ve been reflecting on the stark differences in how I approach parenting now compared to when I had just one or two little ones. When I say “I,” I mean me—maybe some of you have figured it all out, and if so, hats off to you! These days, my main goals are to keep them somewhat clean and well-fed. But with our first child, my parenting style was notably different.

Monthly Photos

First child: I took adorable pictures of my baby every month, complete with cute signs or stickers on their onesie.
Second child: I captured most of the monthly milestones, though I skipped a few here and there; props and outfits were hit or miss.
Third child: Nope, not happening.

Holidays

First child: I sent out custom photo cards for every holiday, even for Valentine’s Day and Easter.
Second child: We celebrated the smaller holidays, but custom cards were a thing of the past.
Third child: Wait, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow? A last-minute run to the store at 11 PM for whatever’s left on the shelf.

First Birthday Party

First child: I planned an elaborate, Pinterest-worthy birthday bash, complete with a smash cake and professional photos.
Second child: A simple birthday gathering at home sufficed.
Third child: A cake with the family? That’ll do, sorry kiddo!

Education

First child: I was dedicated to teaching them everything they needed to know, plus a bit more.
Second child: I tried to teach, but I figured they’d learn eventually.
Third child: “When did he pick that up?” is my new mantra.

Illnesses

First child: I called the pediatrician for every sniffle or fever.
Second child: I called sometimes, but not every time.
Third child: The doctor is calling me because I missed yet another well visit.

Milestones

First child: I meticulously tracked every developmental milestone and stressed over any delays.
Second child: I thought, “Hmm, I guess that’s similar to when the first one started doing things.”
Third child: Meh, he’ll figure it out in due time.

Injuries

First child: My response to a fall was panic, rushing to check for a concussion, giving meds, and calling the doctor “just in case.”
Second child: If he fell, I’d check for blood or bumps and usually decide he was fine.
Third child: He fell? He’ll get back up—he’s tough.

Thank goodness my partner got a vasectomy after our last little one; I can’t imagine managing a fourth without more therapy than we could afford. If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning and options, check out this insightful blog post here.

For those considering at-home insemination, a reputable online retailer like Make A Mom provides excellent kits. Additionally, Progyny offers fantastic resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, parenting evolves significantly with each child. While the first may receive every ounce of attention and care, the third often benefits from a more laid-back approach – a strategy that seems to work just fine!