Am wanting baby no3 but wondering how different it is from just 2 kids?

Question

My DD is 5yrs and DS is 2.5yrs and I really want another baby but I am worried it will change our family dynamics too much.
My daughter is at school now and son is nearly self sufficient :( so thought now is a good time to start trying again.

Did you struggle from 2 to 3 kids? Did you find yourself spread too thin at times? What age gap do you have and what would you recommend?

Answer 1

I now have a 6yr, 4yr, and 11 month old. Its great - actually easier than going from 1 to 2 children. The older ones really love their sister and are eager to help. Also, they are more independent. Both are now school age - so it will just be me and the baby at home. The only thing that concerns me is because my 1st and 2nd are so close, I wonder if I should have another one so my 3rd and 4th can be close.

Answer 2

My kids are any where from 3 years 2 months to 4 years apart and the hardest one to "add" to the family was my second. I was harder to rest when she napped because I still had my oldest daughter to take care of. My husband was very supportive and took care of both kids at times so I could nap and he helped with cooking and cleaning etc. It was just hard to get into a new routine. By the time my 3rd and 4th came along I all ready had a great routine in place with a younger and older child and I was much more experienced. Plus my older 2 really loved to help getting diapers and "keeping" an eye on the baby while I ran in and went potty quickly etc.

I think there are times when all mothers feel stretched too thin whether they have 1 child or 10. My most frazzled time is dinner. If I'm not using my crockpot to cook a meal I make sure I get all the kids involved (who want to be) setting the table, measuring ingredients etc. They feel great to be with mom and helping and I feel less stress because they are not running in and out of the kitchen. Plus they are learning valuable lessons and skills.

Good luck in your decision!

Answer 3

I have to say the biggest adjustment was from just 2 to 3. I think it was because my daughters being 13 months apart though so there were 2 in pampers. However, they helped each other to potty train so that's a good trade.. Your kids are spaced out, so I don't think it will be a problem. Now I am pregnant with our final child, so the adjustment from having 3 kids to 4 is my last obstacle. Know that it will be different initially, but after you have 2 kids, it gets WAY easier when you have another (#3, #4 . . .)

Answer 4

Having another child will always change the dynamics of the family. Every child is so different from the last. The most important thing is for each child to know they are loved and accepted for who they are, then there will be less chance of jealousy if a new baby comes on the scene. If you take the time to explain what's going on to your children, then they will have more time to be prepared emotionally. If you can manage financially (financial stess is a killer) and your husband is in agreement , there is no reason that I can see that you shouldn't expand your family.

God Bless!

Answer 5

Three kids is the plateau. From then on the number of kids really doesnt make a difference.

Most moms will agree. Theres something about having three that is easier than having two, and something about having four is the same as three and so on.

Answer 6

my mother in law has 6 kids and she said if you can handle two you can handle more. the only diffference is more kids than adults and more mouths to feed

Answer 7

honey you struggle with every child they all need attention lots of it - its the i love babies syndrome - we keep having babies cause that is our favorite age group - then when we can't have any more we realize yikes they grow up and i gotta deal with them
not to mention college - can anyone afford that anymore