As I reflect on my experiences as a mother of three, it’s evident how my approach to parenting has transformed. The shift from raising one child to managing three has certainly changed my perspective—and perhaps not always for the better. While some parents may have it all figured out, I find myself focusing more on keeping my kids somewhat clean and adequately fed.
Monthly Milestones
With my first child, I meticulously documented every milestone with adorable monthly photos, complete with signs or stickers. By the time my second child arrived, I managed to capture most of those moments, though some props and outfits were forgotten. Fast forward to my third child—those monthly photos? Not happening.
Celebrating Holidays
For my firstborn, I crafted elaborate photo cards for every holiday, from Valentine’s Day to Easter. When my second child came along, I still celebrated, but custom cards were a luxury I couldn’t afford. Now, with the third child, I often find myself running to the store at 11:00 PM the night before a holiday, scrambling to find whatever leftover cards are available.
First Birthday Bash
The first birthday celebration for my first child was a grand affair, complete with a Pinterest-inspired smash cake. By the second child, the party was a simple gathering at home. For the third? Just a small cake with close family—sorry, little one.
Educational Focus
Initially, I was dedicated to teaching my first child everything they needed to know at that age and then some. With the second, I relaxed a bit, believing they would pick things up along the way. Now, I often find myself wondering, “When did he learn THAT?” when it comes to my youngest.
Handling Illness
With my first child, every sniffle warranted a call to the pediatrician. By the second, I was more selective about when to make that call. Now, as for the third? The doctor is usually the one reaching out because I missed another well visit.
Milestone Monitoring
I used to obsessively track developmental milestones for my first child, anxious if they fell behind. With the second, I thought, “Well, that’s around when the first started doing XYZ.” Now, I simply shrug and think, “He’ll get it eventually.”
Injury Responses
When my first child took a tumble, I was quick to rush to their side, checking for injuries and calling the doctor out of precaution. With my second, I would assess the situation for any major injuries. Now, with my third, I take a deep breath and think, “He’ll be fine.”
I’m grateful my partner opted for a vasectomy after our last child; I can’t imagine how a fourth would fare—at least not without a lot more therapy than we could manage. For those searching for more insights into family planning, resources like Resolve offer excellent information on insemination options. Additionally, if you’re exploring at-home methods, consider checking out our Home Insemination Kit for helpful tools. For more specialized care, Mask Care provides valuable insights.
In summary, parenting evolves significantly with each child. The initial excitement and meticulous planning give way to a more relaxed and pragmatic approach as families grow.