Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how my parenting approach has transformed from having just one child to juggling three. I mean, maybe you all have it figured out, but I’m just trying to keep my kids somewhat clean and fed. With our firstborn, I was a perfectionist; now, I’m just hoping for survival!
Monthly Photos
- First child: Capture adorable monthly milestone photos, complete with signs and matching outfits.
- Second child: Get a few decent shots, but props? Who has time for that?
- Third child: Nope. Not happening.
Holidays
- First child: Send out custom photo cards for every holiday, no matter how small.
- Second child: Celebrate the big holidays, but forget custom cards.
- Third child: Wait, Valentine’s Day is tomorrow? Quick! Run to the store at 11:00 PM for whatever’s left on the shelves!
First Birthday Bash
- First child: Plan an elaborate first birthday party worthy of Pinterest, complete with a smash cake and professional photos.
- Second child: Host a small birthday celebration at home.
- Third child: Cake with family? That counts, right? Sorry, kiddo!
Education
- First child: Teach them everything and a little bit more!
- Second child: Try to keep up, but hey, they’ll figure it out eventually.
- Third child: Wait, when did he learn to do that?
Illnesses
- First child: Call the doctor for every sneeze or cough.
- Second child: Call the doctor occasionally.
- Third child: Wait, did I miss another check-up?
Milestones
- First child: Obsessively check milestone charts and fret if they miss something.
- Second child: Think, “Hmm, I guess that’s about when the first one did that.”
- Third child: Whatever. He’ll get it when he gets it.
Injuries
- First child: Oh no, she fell! Rush over and check for injuries, medication in hand, and call the doctor just in case.
- Second child: He fell! Assess for blood, and if he’s okay, we’re good.
- Third child: He fell? He’ll get up.
Thank goodness my partner decided on a vasectomy after our last little one; I can’t imagine a fourth child surviving this chaos—at least not without more therapy than we can manage! If you’re interested in more about family-building options, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting shifts dramatically with each child. The meticulous planning and worry of the first child evolves into a more relaxed approach by the time the third arrives. And hey, if you’re exploring options for starting or expanding your family, consider checking out this home insemination kit for additional ideas.