working with 3 kids

[hatter]

Am toying with the idea of number 3...wondered who's out there with 3 (or more!) who works. I'd like another but I love my work and could not be a sahm. Girls are 4 and 2 so by the time a number 3 came along one would be at school, one would be at part-time nursery. I wondered whether people found work plus 3 kids just too much? Can you spend enough time with them? Especially one-to-one. I work p-t at the moment and could carry that on, but am contemplating a period of full-time study. Any words of wisdom?

[FairyMum]

I am expecting my third in July and plan to go back to work after 6 months. I have already got a place for number three in our nursery.DD is at school and DS still in nursery. I plan to get a Swedish au pair (I am Swedish, so it is also for the children to speak more Swedish at home). To us it was the only option left as we found the logistics of nursery/school-runs too much.
Have you got any family support?
I think financially it's quite tough, but I just coulnd't imagine life as a SAHM.....
I hope it works out for you!

[motherinferior]

I reckon you'll do it, and do it magnificently

[tabitha]

I have 4 kids and although I'm curently on Maternity Leave, I'll be returning to work in August. I worked full time from when no 3 was just over 3 and before that I worked part-time. I won't pretend it's easy but it certainly is possible.
My suggestions would be:

1. Try to be as organised as poss (easier said than done - I know_
   
2. Delegate as much as poss (also easier said than done)
   
3. Lower your standards re housework - spending time with your kids is much more important than having an immaculate house, or alternatively get a cleaner if you can affore one (I can't unfortunately so I don't but I imagine it would be a big help)
   
4. Get a collection of easy to prepare / cook recipies - I've already got 4 weeks worth saved on computer for when I go back to work. Hope the computer doewn't crash
   
5. Plan menus and shopping lists for a 4 week period and repeat over and over again.
   
6. Order food over the internet in conjunction with your 4 week menus. I've found this makes a big difference for me, but then I've always hated supermarket shopping. I also order a lot of clothes, presents etc over the internet.
   
7. Try to set aside 'special times' for you alone with each of your children, eg Thursday evening is when I go swimming with Child A or Saturday morning I go for a coffee with Child B, and try your best to stick to it.
   8)Make time for you alone and with your partner. You'll need this to stay sane. Try to book a regular babysitter.
   Hope this helps and good luck whatever you decide.

[tallulah]

Went back to work (p/t) when mine when 4.5, 3 & 1, then had another one! Started a full time degree course when they were 7, 5, 3 & 1, & had to carry on p/t job as well. It's do-able but I did need a lot of support, esp at essay deadline. Whether they got enough time is debateable. Baby certainly got plenty of 1:1 time with grandad