What’s it like going from 2 to 3 children?

[strongmamaxo]

I currently have a 5 year old and 2.5 year old. I’m not pregnant but we are considering by the end of the year if it all goes to plan. Both children will then be nearly 7 and 3.5 years. I’m just curious as to other people’s experiences going from 2 to 3?
it can be overwhelming some days now which does make me 50/50 but I know the Children will be older when the baby would be born and I’m not getting any younger

Wild!

Sorry it posted too fast! It was wild for us. Although they are neurodiverse. Amazing to see relationship between each of them, and the three of them together, but boy being outnumbered is difficult. Also no one will look after them at the same time, hopefully this wouldn't be the case for you! Our third slotted in so well, and recovery was good. I felt so much more at ease whilst he was a baby, but the juggle between managing everyone's needs takes a lot for me xx

Lovely! You naturally get more chilled and less anxious and just enjoy it more IMO. I have a 5yo 2 yo and baby. It’s chaos but you lean into it and it’s much better.

NB don’t do it if you like a perfect home and making beautiful flower shape sandwiches in your kids lunchboxes. You gotta be more of a chuck a weetabix and each kid and get in the car kinda mum

Fuvking awful. Typical g this as my 3 run rings around me and won't go to sleep.

You gotta be more of a chuck a weetabix and each kid and get in the car kinda mum I feel like this is me already with two, complete with odd socks and kids with shoes on the wrong feet 😆

I would love a third but age is factor for me. And I just love our current dynamic. Following out of curiosity as I haven't made peace yet with not having another, or decided whether to have another either....

I found going from 1-2 harder than going from 2-3 as 1-2 was such a shock to the system. Our 3rd was actually the toughest in that he was the worst sleeper and didn’t sleep through the night until he was nearly 5, but in every other way it was much easier & having 3 has been an absolutely joy.

There is always someone for them - so if one wants some time alone, there’s always another sibling to hang out with. They get on really well (but do also fight!) and need a lot less from us as they have each other.

I say go for it Op.

It so depends on your children!

My DS1 is autistic. Has always been amazing but such hard work since birth (never slept unless being held, in nappies until age 11).

DS2 has always been an absolute dream. Slept through the night from 6 weeks. Toilet trained with ease at 18 months etc. He’s 25 now & still hasn’t given us a moments worry.

DD is 10 years younger than DS2 & we worried so much about upsetting the dynamic we already had. What has happened is that DD & DS2 are best friends. Incredibly close. We barely had to care for DD as a baby as DS2 was always entertaining her 😁.

DH is also the youngest of 3 and extremely close to both of his older sisters.

It all depends on the personalities. All 3 of mine are quite different. The third has brought so much fun and interest into our family.
You need a big car and to accept mess and chaos on occasions.

Absolutely fine, the only problems are logistical really, mine are close in age and I only have two hands, so crossing roads etc. was a bit trickier when they were little. Also needed a bigger car, bigger house, family hotel rooms only sleep four, most taxis don't fit a family of five. I love having three though.

Going from 2-3 was ok, mine had much closer gap (3under3) They are very close to all siblings, chilled, our little ray of sunshine-always happy & positive, whilst practical. Logistics were tricky, holidays the biggest issue & now older (& with 4 dc) extra curricular stuff, friends etc can be a juggle between DH & I.

This sums it up pretty well! I had three under 4, it was great, but you’re definitely just keeping them safe sometimes. I did run a pretty tight ship for the bedtime routine though as definitely needed a bit of peace before going to bed! Maybe I’m looking back with nostalgia though. A few downsides were when one got ill, they all did and bugs lasted weeks sometimes as they passed through. And we were outnumbered and we had to get a bigger car. Holidays are more expensive for five. Also with hindsight I feel that I didn’t adapt my parenting style to meet the different personalities of mine, and this is something I regret. They’re fine as adults but when I look back I could have done better.

It was a doddle.

5 to 6 on the other hand...