They say the third child brings a special kind of joy, and I can attest that my youngest, my little bundle of delight, is a treasure. With a heart full of empathy, he laughs robustly, plays energetically, and loves deeply. I genuinely cannot envision life without him. However, transitioning from two to three kids has brought about changes I never anticipated.
As the youngest of five, I always heard my mother say that the toughest leap in parenting was moving from two to three children. She claimed that adding a fourth child eased the chaos, as older siblings instinctively helped care for the new arrival. While I may never discover if she was right about the fourth, I can unequivocally confirm that she was spot-on regarding the challenges of welcoming a third child into the family. Here’s what I’ve learned as a mom of three…
1. Three is Always a Crowd
With three kids, it often feels like one is perpetually on the sidelines. On any given day, two out of the three are likely to be teasing the other. Picture this: one child is in tears while the other two are in fits of laughter, and there you are, the superhero mom, trying to mend the situation. Despite your best efforts to foster kindness and inclusivity, it often ends in a showdown where Mom is left yelling things she wishes she could take back.
2. Any Pair is a Mini Vacation
When you manage to have just two kids at home, it feels like a slice of paradise. Whether one is off at a friend’s house or engaged in a sport, suddenly the atmosphere is calm. With less squabbling, fewer tears, and a distinct absence of your frustrated outbursts, the kids become surprisingly polite, even cleaning up after themselves. You might wonder who these well-mannered little beings are, but you know you’d never trade any of your children. Still, those rare moments with just two are a cherished gift—so savor them!
3. Competition is Constant
“Dibs on the bathroom!” my son shouts as we pull into the driveway, only to be met with, “Dibs on the TV!” from his sister. It’s a never-ending game of dibs, shotgun, and “I called it first!” Competition reigns supreme in our household, and guess who gets to officiate this endless contest? That’s right—me! They always look to me to determine the winner in this ongoing, often unfair, game of life.
4. Silence is a Myth
Trying to watch a movie? Having a conversation? Cleaning? Forget about it! Even if each child speaks minimally, you can count on at least one of them chiming in every 30 seconds. With three kids vying for your attention, peaceful moments are few and far between. It’s perfectly okay to nod along, muttering things like “Oh, that’s nice” to finish your own thoughts. Just don’t make a habit of it, or you’ll inevitably be caught!
5. One-on-One Time is Gold
Whether it’s the quiet of the morning or a rare sick day, spending one-on-one time with any of my kids reveals beautiful new facets of their personalities. It’s during these moments that I feel an overwhelming connection, marveling at their unique traits. But then the familiar mom guilt creeps in, whispering that they deserve more of my attention. Let that guilt go; you are doing your best, and these special times are too precious to spoil with self-doubt.
6. They Love Deeply and Forgive Quickly
In a world of sibling rivalry and chaos, the bond they share is profound. When one faces disappointment, the others rally around them, lifting spirits and bringing laughter back into their lives. They have each other’s backs, and that’s a beautiful thing. Every now and then, you might catch them nestled together on the couch, completely at peace—no competition necessary. In those moments, your heart truly melts.
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In summary, being a mother of three is an exhilarating yet challenging journey filled with unique dynamics, laughter, and love. While it can be chaotic, the deep bonds formed between siblings and the precious moments shared remind us of the beauty in our busy lives.