Not finding three children very fun at the moment

[RingInTheNew]

DH and I are just feeling a little overwhelmed! DS3 is almost a year old, and other DSs are 8 and 6. We were very happy when we found out we were expecting DC3, and the first year hasn't been too bad, but now that DS3 is crawling and almost walking it feels like we're spreading ourselves so thin. It doesn't help that he doesn't sleep well at night and DH is overworked. We're really feeling knackered, and I suppose we feel we have lost a bit of spontaneity in our lives. At weekends we tend to go for easier options rather than more adventurous eating out or anything that requires too much travelling, what with all the baby paraphernalia to contend with. Today DH said that it's 'just not that fun' right now.

Would really love to hear how others have coped with this - and is it just a phase?! I hope so!

Thank you

Ok well first of all, sleep deprivation is just horrendous and really sucks the enjoyment from life big time. How can you have fun when you're constantly exhausted?! So I would try and sort that. Get a sleep consultant. Best money I ever spent, ever!

Second of all you're at a stage when the baby is mobile but still a fucking idiot so has to be watched every split second. My 3rd is 20 months now and it's much easier as time goes by eg she kind of knows now/isn't as interested in putting tiny choking sized things in her mouth.

Just remember it gets easier and easier and easier from now on (apart from behaviour and I'm not talking toddler tantrums, my 4 year old is the most work at the moment!). Hang in there!

Thanks, babyblabber. I am trying to focus on the long term...and sleep training starts tonight (I went to a sleep workshop last week) so am hoping that will help. Thanks again!

Thanks, Alors. Good point that they are more easily fielded out once they're older! I do feel guilty that I don't spend enough time with the older ones right now. I love the 'gang' feeling too, and he's such a joy during the day. Am working on the night time!

I said this to dh on the weekend. And we only have 2 dc! It's the age l think. Baby has said it will

My 3rd is over 2 and gas only started sleeping properly, very different child to siblings aged 5 & 7. Im only starting to enjoy parenting three as I finally have the stamina, dont under estimate how hard sleep deprivation is on you, your relationship, mental health etc.
Its so much easier now less demanding and we can go for days out etc without having to bring a boot load of baby stuff.
It will get easier x