When does 3 get easier?

[freezerdinners]

I know 3 kids isn't necessarily a big family but hope it's ok to post here to get some wisdom!

I have 3 - 8, 6 and 18months. I feel so stretched and I'm not even working. In the gap between 2&3 I'd forgotten how full on these early years are and I miss my two older ones as even when I might have time to spend with them I'm not at my best just generally knackered. And I find myself longing for the time when the little one is more independent and we can feel lighter and freer as a family.

(DH v hands on with kids. Not so much with domestic stuff but works long hours)

Does anyone have similar age gaps to me? When does it get easier? Does it even get easier once you have 3?!!

Completely know how you feel, we are in the same position but my older 2 are 10 and 8. I cant actually remember the older 2 being such hard work, I thankfully work 3 days a week on a busy hospital ward which I find a break 😅 we will get there, I try think to myself that I'll regret wishing his life away but its so hard. Wanting you to know you weren't the only one 👐

@freezerdinners my older ones are similar ages to yours. I have a just turned 9 and a 6 year old. And a 10 month old.My older two especially the first was an absolute nightmare baby with eczema, hayfever, reflux, allergies and tongue tie! It was so tough with the first that when we told friends about the second pregnancy one friend asked if it was planned 😂

This baby has been chilled so far although I'm not back at work yet so too soon to predict. It is a lot of work but it is worth it. These past 10 months has flown. I think school drop offs and collection eats so much of your time. Because after dropping back home to baby feed, play sleep and before you know it time to collect again!

Since my youngest has turned 3 it has got loads easier

We’ve got similar age gaps. It gets easier year on year. And flies by. The days can be long but the years have flown! My youngest is at school now and we still feel a little tired from time to time but it’s so much easier. Take lots of photos. It’s lovely to look back and see the wonderful memories once you’ve left the tiredness fog behind.

Mine are 18, 16 & 12, so similar gap. It got easier over time. When DS3 potty trained and was reliable, that was a big milestone. I remember when everyone could get their own shoes on and get in the car and strap themselves in being a relief. It was a gradual process.

Thanks everyone.... Good to hear it does improve! I think I'm stuck in the relentlessness of it all and loosing perspective a bit. I just can't imagine a time not feeling overwhelmed by all there is to do, but in fact I know from my older two that they do get increasingly self sufficient.

And good to be reminded of the slow days fast years thing! That's what I was counting on when I went for a third !!!!!! Just feeling the slow days right now but that should change.

Hope you don't mind me jumping on but I'm forever in limbo about #3.

This post has me concerned/ scared that I'd be biting off more than I could chew! Work f/t, excellent team work with DH but also worry about being too stretched. We'd have a 7 year old and a 3 year old.

Please feel free to shed any light!!

@muddypuddlejumping honestly it's not that bad and even if you had another you've got good age gaps. Mine were 8 and 5 when baby was born and are now 6 and 9. You have really good ages gaps as well. I find the first 6 months the toughest but older kids are so good with the baby. Not saying you should tho 😂

I have three but the age gap is about two years in each case.

So for me I recall it being easier when I could finally leave the pushchair at home (when DS2 was about 2) and even better when I no longer needed to step out the door equipped for a challenge up Mt Everest (you know, spare clothes (to fit multiple DC) snacks, books or small toys) and could take just my phone, keys and lippy.

When DS2 started nursery school aged 3, dd was at infants and DS1 at juniors and I suddenly had a bit more time on my day off (I worked four days then).

It helped that all of mine were pretty good sleepers and eaters; DD was a bit tantrummy aged 2 but DS2 was much more easygoing (toted about everywhere in a sling to be fair so he had no choice).

I've got 6 (16, 11, 9, 6 twins & almost 8mth) and a dh who works away from days to months at a time. I don't find it particularly hard but it can be exhausting at times. Since I started carving out time for myself (I lift weights in our gym) I cope much better as I am more chilled in general. I think if you stress about things too much it always feels much harder than it really is.

I keep forgetting the twins are 7 now