If you’re a parent, you know that life can spiral into chaos in the blink of an eye. When you have three children, navigating daily life feels like trying to play chess while blindfolded—confusing and often overwhelming. Here’s a deeper look into what it’s truly like to be a parent of three.
You’re Outnumbered
It’s a constant battle of wills. No matter how hard you strive to maintain order and discipline, the numbers are always in favor of the kids. They’re likely scheming right now, plotting their next move while you’re too exhausted to notice. This is all part of their master plan, fueled by tantrums and clever negotiation tactics.
The Mess is Unending
The chaos is not limited to emotional turmoil; it’s also a literal mess. Just as you’ve finished cleaning up after one child, another is ready to unleash a disaster. You may find yourself dodging flying articles of clothing or toys while dealing with diaper disasters and laundry demands. Your once neat home is now a battlefield of toys and half-finished school projects.
Searching for Lost Items
With toys, clothes, and crafts scattered everywhere, finding anything becomes a Herculean task. Whether it’s the middle child’s beloved stuffed animal or your only set of car keys, good luck—those crucial items are likely buried beneath a mountain of clutter.
Hand-Me-Downs Are the Norm
When you have three kids, hand-me-downs become a way of life, regardless of gender. With limited space and a growing collection of clothes, it’s hard to justify buying more. Plus, kids outgrow their clothes faster than you can keep up.
Someone Always Misses Out
Activities that require everyone to participate often leave someone feeling left out. Whether it’s a family outing, a bike ride, or even a simple game night, the reality is that with three kids, there’s always going to be someone who can’t join in the fun.
Forgetting Is Inevitable
In the whirlwind of getting everyone ready, you’re bound to forget something—or someone. Even if the kids could remember their own essentials, the chances are that in your rush to pack lunches, at least one child will head out without underwear. Spoiler alert: it’s likely the one you just left sitting on the toilet.
Timeliness is a Myth
Arriving on time becomes an elusive dream. Balancing the chaos of getting three children ready is a challenging feat. You’ll find yourself racing against the clock, and often, you’ll end up arriving at events just as they’re wrapping up.
Your Vehicle is Now a Clown Car
What used to be a spacious vehicle now feels cramped. Packing for a day out means squeezing into a car that feels more like a sardine can, with kids stuffed in every nook and cranny. You might even feel bad for your oldest, who’s contorted into an uncomfortable position in the backseat.
Family Photos Are a Challenge
Capturing a decent family photo is nearly impossible. Your holiday cards often resemble candid shots from a chaotic day rather than the perfect family portrait you envisioned, with everyone looking in different directions or making silly faces.
Names Become a Blur
With three kids, calling them by the wrong name is a regular occurrence. If only they would agree to wear name tags, life would be a whole lot simpler.
Extracurricular Overload
Juggling activities for three kids can feel like an insurmountable task. You can’t be in three places at once, which inevitably leads to disappointment for at least one child. You might even contemplate cloning yourself, though it sounds more like a sci-fi movie than a feasible option.
Having three kids is undoubtedly challenging. There are days when you might think about having another just to even things out, but then reality hits—you’d need a lot more wine, and it would probably end up lost under a pile of toys anyway. For more insights on parenting and resources, check out other posts like this one here. For those interested in exploring options for starting a family, Make a Mom provides great kits and information. Also, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Being a parent of three children is a unique challenge that combines chaos, love, and the constant juggling of responsibilities. From the endless mess to the struggle of timeliness, every day presents new hurdles. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, there’s a profound joy that comes from raising a family.