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- Parenting
by Jenna Thompson
Updated: March 4, 2021
Originally Published: May 30, 2017
Everyone assured me that the shift to having three children would be a breeze compared to welcoming a first or second. “You won’t even notice the difference,” they claimed. Well, it seems they were mistaken. Perhaps the age gaps between my kids, their unique personalities, or maybe even our family’s quirks played a role. Regardless, the moment our third little one arrived, everything spiraled into chaos.
For us, welcoming a third child introduced a multitude of adjustments:
Dining out became a rare occurrence.
My partner and I have always been food enthusiasts. Before kids, we dined out frequently, and we maintained that lifestyle well into our second child’s infancy. It felt essential for both our family and ourselves. However, the arrival of our third child made outings feel practically unmanageable. Suddenly, we had more kids than adults, and keeping them content and quiet throughout a meal felt overwhelming. The stress of it all turned what used to be enjoyable into a daunting task. Now, takeout is our go-to, often consumed silently in the car while the kids munch on their homemade lunches or in front of the TV after the little ones are tucked in for the night.
My love affair with coffee reached new heights.
While I’ve always appreciated a good cup of coffee, it transitioned from a treat to a daily necessity with our third child, who had a far less predictable sleep schedule than her siblings. My coffee intake skyrocketed, and I found myself less discerning about its source. Gone were the days of sipping artisanal espresso; I was happy with instant coffee at home as long as it kept me caffeinated enough to handle the demands of three energetic children throughout the day.
I abandoned the notion of preparing a fresh meal every day.
Now, I manage to whip up a home-cooked meal only two or three times a week. Let’s face it: who has the time or energy for more? Most nights, we rely on leftovers or a quick frozen meal from the store, with the occasional takeout splurge. And on particularly exhausting evenings, a plate of crackers and pepperoni alongside a pouch of applesauce has become a perfectly acceptable dinner.
Our screen time limits evolved to the maximum recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Before our second child, our first had no screen time. That changed with the arrival of the second, allowing for an occasional PBS episode. But with the third, I found myself desperate for a distraction for the older kids while I nursed or cleaned up. The chaos in the kitchen while cooking became a testing ground for my patience. Now, we have a limit of four shows a day, and if anyone is under the weather? Those rules go out the window. Twelve hours of TV? Absolutely, if it means surviving a bout of illness!
Speaking of illness, I became increasingly cautious of germs.
You’d think I’d grow accustomed to them, but after experiencing two rounds of flu, numerous fevers, and various infections with the third child, I became anxious about germs. I’ve spent a small fortune on vitamins and natural remedies, yet it never feels like enough. My hands are weary from constant washing, and I’m ready to throw in the towel—though the consequences of doing so are too daunting to consider.
I relinquished control over my children’s outfits.
In fact, I’ve let go of many responsibilities my kids are capable of handling themselves. Who knew a three-year-old could dress herself? And does it really matter if my kindergartner pairs a floral dress with mismatched leggings? Letting go of these trivial choices has significantly eased my mental and physical load, making parenting feel lighter.
This list merely scratches the surface of how our lives have shifted since welcoming our spirited little one. Everything has changed, and we continue to adapt in ways we never anticipated. While the challenges are real, the joy has multiplied. Those who claimed that having three kids is no big deal did get one thing right: our lives are undeniably richer, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.
And yes, we occasionally find ourselves contemplating the idea of adding another little one into the mix. Imagine that!
For more insights into the journey of parenthood, you can refer to this excellent resource on pregnancy. And if you’re interested in exploring options for growing your family, check out this link for at-home insemination kits for helpful guidance. Also, don’t forget to review our terms and conditions for further information.