My partner and I thought we were finished after our first two children, but just when we thought we had it all figured out, surprise—baby number three was on the way! Now that we have three kids, I can’t imagine life any other way, even though it definitely transformed our family dynamic. Here are some truths that come with raising three children:
- More Kids than Hands
Having three kids, especially if they’re close in age, means you quickly discover that you need to utilize your knees, elbows, and even your chin as extra hands. - You’re Outnumbered
Unless you’re in a unique living situation, you’ll likely find yourself outnumbered by your kids. The realization of this imbalance often hits hard when you’re juggling chaos at home. - Age Perception Is Different
Your firstborn at four years old feels like a mini adult, while your youngest at the same age seems like a toddler. With each passing year, expectations for behavior and academic performance shift dramatically. - Middle Child Syndrome
It’s an unfortunate reality that your middle child may not get the same spotlight. The firstborn gets the accolades of being the first, and the youngest enjoys the privilege of being babied. The middle child? They often have to carve out their own niche. - Increased Stress Levels
Research shows that parents of multiples experience heightened stress. The combination of trying to do everything perfectly while managing the chaos can feel overwhelming. - A Larger Vehicle Becomes Necessary
If you plan on taking outings with friends or family, a minivan or an SUV with at least eight seats is a must. Managing multiple car seats is also a game changer. - Exponentially More Work
Each additional child adds to the workload. Having three kids feels like it multiplies the responsibilities and noise levels, making you wonder how families with even more children cope. - Sleep Becomes a Thing of the Past
The notion of uninterrupted sleep vanishes with the arrival of your third child. From nighttime awakenings to late-night chats, rest becomes a rare commodity. - Financial Strain Intensifies
Setting up a college fund for your first child feels manageable. By the time the third arrives, you may be banking on scholarships. The mounting costs of groceries and activities make you cringe. - Travel Costs Skyrocket
The financial burden of air travel for five can be staggering. A cheap flight for the family turns into a hefty sum that often nudges you toward road trips instead. - Hotel Accommodations Are Tricky
Finding suitable hotel rooms becomes a challenge. You may find yourself hunting for options that can accommodate everyone or getting creative with sleeping arrangements. - Inevitably, Someone Gets Left Out
With three kids, any game designed for two can lead to feelings of exclusion. Simple activities often turn into negotiations for attention. - Family Movie Night Is Complicated
With varying interests and maturity levels, selecting a movie that satisfies everyone can feel impossible. You might end up watching the same film repeatedly just to avoid conflict. - Game Night Has Its Challenges
The excitement of family game night can quickly fade when you realize that accommodating younger siblings leads to repetitive games that test your patience. - The Absence of One Child Feels Like a Break
When one child is away, the workload feels drastically lighter. A sleepover can feel like a mini-vacation for weary parents. - Baby Books Vary Wildly
Your first child’s scrapbook is a masterpiece, while the third’s photos might just be stored on a computer. The effort tends to dwindle with each child. - Bedtime Turns Into a Marathon
Managing different bedtimes and snuggle requests can stretch bedtime routines into hours, testing your endurance as a parent. - You’ll Sometimes Need Silence
There are moments when you just need to declare a “no talking” zone, desperately craving a bit of peace amid the noise. - Unique Personalities Emerge
With each child, you learn just how distinct their personalities can be. Your third child solidifies the idea that some traits are intrinsic, regardless of parenting style. - Love Expands with Each Child
Whether you planned a third child or not, you discover that your capacity for love grows. If another child comes along, you know you’ll love them just as fiercely.
Although having three children was not part of our original plan, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Life with three kids is undeniably chaotic, yet it’s filled with immeasurable joy and love. Our family of five feels perfectly complete.
For those on a similar journey, check out this resource for insights into starting a family. If you’re considering embryo transfer, here’s an authority on the topic that can help guide your decisions. Additionally, this site offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, raising three kids is a rewarding experience filled with its own set of challenges, but the love and laughter make it all worthwhile.