I’ve been meaning to share my thoughts on this topic for some time now. Honestly, I’ve been eager to write anything at all. However, I must be brief because I have a fleeting moment before my 19-month-old son embarks on any number of chaotic adventures:
- Digging through the trash for a snack
- Trying (and failing) to remove the electrical outlet covers
- Opening the oven
- “Cooking” on the stove
- Uncovering a steak knife lurking in the bottom of the dishwasher, leading to a potential Barbie hostage crisis
- Displaying Olympic-level resistance to sleep
- Busting open childproof locks on cabinets with sheer determination
- Hiding my car keys in mysterious locations
Maybe my brain has softened over the past year and a half, but I distinctly recall hearing certain stereotypes about third children while I was expecting mine:
- “They’re so adaptable; they just go with the flow.”
- “They’re incredibly laid-back!”
Interesting, isn’t it? I would also call it nonsense.
While I understand that generalizations are just that, I can’t help but think these are the same folks who told me I’d eventually forget the agony of childbirth or that one tiny piece of chocolate would cure my sweet cravings.
Let me tell you, my cabinets are fortified. My outlets are covered. My doors are secured when not in use. These were not precautions I took with my first two children. In fact, I might have rolled my eyes at those who did (and yes, I admit it).
I truly admire my youngest child’s determination to make his presence known in our family. His strategy seems to revolve around four main objectives:
- Stay awake at all costs, no matter what
- Create a unique path of chaos
- Relocate any important items to top-secret toddler hideouts
- Maintain a constant connection with the giant colander
This obsession with kitchenware is quite comical. Forget the kid-sized pots and pans—I’ve tried that. My son has turned everyday items like Tupperware and serving spoons into his ultimate treasure. And woe to anyone who suggests taking that colander from him; 31 pounds of toddler fury is unleashed at the mere thought!
While other kids might cling to security blankets or beloved stuffed animals, mine cherishes a pasta strainer. It’s no wonder, considering our family’s love affair with carbs.
When he’s not striking a heroic pose with kitchen utensils, he’s busy hoarding, stacking, and nesting anything he can find—like DVDs, princess accessories, or random spices. Days later, I’ll stumble upon my paprika, sunglasses, and my older son’s overdue library book stuffed inside an old gift box. And don’t even get me started on how many minutes I spend each day searching for the remote control. At least we have my youngest to thank for cutting down our screen time!
So, the idea that third children are mellow? Not in my experience. He craves to be part of the action, joining his older siblings in their noise, games, and chaos. He’s always on the go and wants to be held constantly. He refuses to miss a single moment.
Yet, every so often, he surprises me by being still—just long enough for me to locate my keys and rinse out the colander.
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In summary, the notion that third children are easygoing is simply a myth. My little one is anything but mellow, embracing life with a fervor that keeps our household lively and engaged.
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