Considering a 3rd child.

[dusty79]

Hello all.
I am a new member (joined today) and so wanted to say Hi first of all. Also, I wondered if you could share your thoughts on 3 children. I have a DS who is 11 and a DD who is almost 3 and I would really like a 3rd --- I would love for my DD to grow with a sibling closer in age. Not something my DS ever had unfortunately. However, now my OH has agreed to try for number 3 in the new year, I am suddenly feeling apprehensive about it all. How will my daughter react as she is my baby? What about space? Finances? I should add that OH and I earn a reasonable income but childcare is soooo painful.

Anyway, it seems that suddenly I am the one who is usure so was hoping to hear from parents that have experience of the transistion from 2 to 3 children!

Thank you in advance

[peacemoon]

I enjoyed the transition from 2 to 3 so much that I ended up having 4! They are now 13,10,6,4.5.It's tiring and hard work but so much fun and you never end up with a spoiled child because they have to learn to share and compromise.
I know all the "practicalities" can seem scary but it all just works out if you really want it. good luck with whatever you decide.

[ANTagony]

I have Ds1 (8) ds2(5) and DD1(11months). It works well. DD1 is a better sleeper than ds2. She is very laid back and I've found no.3 easier than 1 or 2. I did have a bit of a panic when I was near term about whether I'd remember what to do and what am I doing - do I really want to start again with nappies, sleep deprivation, sterilizing and puréeing food. As soon as she was home it is as though she has always been here. The older two are great at doing small tasks to help out and adore her. The other stuff just hasn't seemed to be an issue you just kind of get on with it. People talk about it being a larger family but it feels quite small to me. I can get the three of them snuggled up on the sofa with me to read a book with my arms wrapped around them.

Some practicalities like fitting three child seats across the back of some cars can be an issue - but if your eldest is off a booster that shouldn't be an issue. When we use travel lodges (or similar) we take an extra bed. A lot of offers are one free child with each paying adult (travel and restaurants) but again if your eldest is 11 they'll be charging adult rate shortly so you'll still get your children free.

[cherub59]

Wierdly I found it easier going from 2 to 3 than 1 to 2. The older two amuse each other and the baby and we are already used to not really having the luxury of one parent looks after dc whilst other gets free time! Am really enjoying it as have kind of given in to the chaos. Elder two love the baby and have decided they want twins next. My dc are 4,2 and 9months!!

[dusty79]

Thank you so much for your replies! They have really helped - I just don't understand my emotions right now. I was so ready and it took OH a long time to agree the min he did, my doubts creeped in! Why?? Am pretty sure a 3rd buba will happen tho x Thank you again.

[dusty79]

Erm, why has some of my message look like its been crossed out?

[thisisyesterday]

if you do -- either side of some words you get a strikethrough

so strikethrough (without the gaps)

would become strikethrough

[dusty79]

Ah I see! Thank you!