When will having two children get easier?

Question

I am a mother of a two fabulous children, aged 6 months and 3 years. Whew, these are tough times! Can anyone tell me when I am going to feel a bit above water? I used to think one child was a handful, now that seems like a breeze. I just feel like there is never enough times, and I need at least 4 more hands.

Answer 1

I spent two weeks looking after my two infants when my wife had to take time to complete some post-grad education and to this day (it was 7 years ago) I remember it being the toughest thing I ever did. No exception.

I always thought of myself a fairly kid focused person but the kids were there every day there no matter what. You just want to do some little thing for yourself but the kids are always there. And that selfishness just made me feel guilty which then made me feel worse.
This was only two weeks and I started to feel like I was never going to do anything else in my life except look after them and there was nothing to look forward to. So I have a huge amount of respect for stay-at-home parents.

.. the good thing is that it was all in my mind. It does eventually end and every minute that you spend now being a patient, good mother will pay you back ten fold. On the flip side you will always regret those moments when you got angry....and there is no way to take them back.

I now have pangs of regret for those two little babies who grew so big.

7 years old is a huge progressive point where they really get independent. But thats too far away to be on your horizon right now.

The good thing is that it is a slow but sure progression between now and then.

I think you should just look forward to the day when they are both out of diapers (and then out of pull-ups). When they will both be walking.

Gradually you will be able to stop taking so much stuff every time you go out.

Sitting down and reading a story to them can be both relaxing for you and good for them both.

Go places where you can take the kids and socialise with other parents. Joining a Mum's club can keep you sane.

In the meantime, good luck, you are raising the future and the better you do it the better they will be.

I know this is a lot of writing but I also want to share this poem that my oldest was given after his first year in Kindergarten.
You should print it out and tape it the fridge.....

(I believe it was written by Julie O’Brien.)

Take time to hold me on your lap,
To joke with me and make me laugh,
Take time, Mommy; This time will go so fast.

Take time to give me extra hugs,
To teach me a nursery rhyme or song,
Take time, Mommy; I won't be little long.

Take time to tuck me into bed,
To read that story you know by heart,
Take time Mommy; Soon these days will part.

Take time to exclaim over what I color,
To admire the things I make from clay,
Take time, Mommy; I'm growing up and away.

Take time to imagine or make-believe,
To play some childish, silly game,
Take time Mommy; Soon it won't be the same.

Take time to let me help you work,
To teach me the many things you know,
Take time, Mommy; Enjoy me as I grow.

Answer 2

I have 2 about the same age apart. It gets easier when the second one starts walking. It's hard, but you'll see how awesome it is when they really start interacting and playing with each other. It is so sweet to see the older one teaching the younger one new things. Don't let anyone discourage you, sure parenting is hard, but it has gotten easier for me, I remember going to the grocery store at that age and it's tough. Ones grabbing things off the shelves or running around, the others wailing because it's hungry and everyone's looking at you like you're an inept mother. I've been there, but once the younger one can walk, it can be a ton of fun.

Answer 3

They are a lot of work and exhausting, I know. But it will get easier I promise. Another year or so should make a big difference. Try to not stress over the little stuff, like always having your house clean. Enjoy there ages as much as possible by going to their level and getting down on the floor and playing with them or taking them to parks and for walks. I have 3 kids and they are each 3 yrs. apart. I remembering feeling like that and people telling me to enjoy b/c they grow up so fast and I thought yea right. Felt as though I would be changing diapers and chancing after them forever. But the other people were right. Mine are 14, 11, and 8 now. They are self maintenance for the most part. Sometimes I miss the old days and wish I had not worried so much about the little things and enjoyed them more. Your house will be cleaner when they are older but now you need to focus on them and enjoy as much of it as you can!!

Answer 4

Pretty much once they are able to get things done themselves. I have 2 stepdaughters ages 2 and 4 and a 5 mo old son. It's hectic, but I make sure my husband helps out also. He does the girl's baths and gets their dinners together, etc. The 4 yr old's not so bad now that she can do so much on her own. Now if she could tie her shoes we'd be great!

Answer 5

Having children gets easier when they turn 18!! Although they are a handful right now things do get easier.....like after all the potty training, and when school starts....and when they give you a little room to finally breathe again!! Be glad you only have 2, there was a couple who jsut had their 17th I believe......I could only imagine the stress!!

Answer 6

I have a 6 & 18 month.... It has been the best time of my life.... Every day is an adventure that I share with my children... Some days are more challenging than others, but I would not wish away this time with them for anything.... Stress is how you deal with life, not what life does to you... Change your perspective.....

Answer 7

sounds like you are a little over worked . Ask your family to help you out . So you can spend some time with yourself and your husband alone. It will never get easier! Only on the day you marry your children off!

Answer 8

Simplify your life as much as possible and teach the 3 yr old to be helpful.
When the 3rd one comes along you will think this was heaven!

Answer 9

never, dude. sorry to say it, but it's just a different kind of difficult for each stage of their lives. baby years are the easiest - trust me. enjoy them while they're here, because when they get in their 7s, 8s and 9s you worry about where they are and if they've gotten abducted, in their teens they are moody and defiant....ugh!

babies are as close as you'll come to angels, so just soak up the fun you can have now. dig it!

Answer 10

i have 2 childs also , 3 yrs & 10 yrs
my love to thim make it more easy
however it well last hard to deal whit them 4 along long time