Finding balance and one to one time.

[littleraysofsunshine]

How do you manage balance and one to one time with each little.

We have three (4.5yo, almost tee, and 15month old.

We have spoken about a fourth having more and we would've had another one earlier than this like our first three but I didn't fancy being heavily pregnant in the summer!

The only thing I think about is how to get the right balance of it all, especially the One to one time, quality time as a family etc. The ages are close but they also have their own development needs.

My girls are so close, and they love to do lots together, take Mumma daughter date.. I know my eldest would love to have a hit choc date with me just her, but I know dd2 would love it too.. I would feel so guilty.

Or when we're doing some home education, managing the (at the moment) two ages. Where they are both so close and also intelligent, dd2 sometimes forgets that she is a year and a half younger.

Sorry if this doesn't make sense!

Anyone?

My 3 are similar ages although 3rd is just a baby but I put alot of thought into 121 time as my first two are only 17 months apart I think it's important they all get quality 121 time with me, husband and both grandparents!!

It's win win as they benefit and to be honest when you have more than 1 child especially close together any mix of splitting them up makes life much easier!

I try to plan in time each week either one on one or a mix of two, even if it's just a trip to shop, Park,walk, story etc while husband or grandparents have 1 or 2 of the dc.

We both work shifts which makes it more difficult as we only have 1 afternoon a week where we are both off work but use nursery and luckily grandparents for an hour or two to help.

I think as long as you are aware of the need for quality time it will happen, if one still naps or goes to bed early that also makes it easier. Hope that helps a little :)

do you have grandparents close by? or close friends or godparents?

we have 3 (5, 3 and 3) and pg with DC4. my parents live locally and are very supportive and on hand so are happy to have any combination of kids so we can do one on one time.

at the moment I make sure I do things that are age appropriate for the DTs while DC1 is at school. then afterschool I get DC1 to help me cooking to give some time just with me.

weekends are easier as DH or I can split up to give solo time - DH took DC1 to the cinema last week.

we're about to leave DTs with the GPs to take DC1 away for a few days to a theme park.

don't overthink it, it doesn't need to be every day if that isn't practical but make sure the DC are aware when its happening. so if your DC3 is napping make a point of saying 'right, special mummy and big girls time while DC3 is sleeping' - even if all you are doing is reading/jigsaws etc it will let the kids know you've planned to spend this time just with them.

I have to admit my life in this respect is made an awful lot easier by having supportive family - my DC have regular sleepovers with my parents so get one on one time from 4 people - me, DH and the GPs.

I have my dad around, and others I just feel guilty on the others who aren't getting the one on one time. This morning the 3 and 16 month old stayed at hoe with Daddy and I took 4yo to have a hot choc and cake date. we needed it, but then once we got home, she was due to be going out with grannie so I think it took the spark off our special morning. :(