WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

[frenziednester]

I am curious as to what people felt was the hardest adjustment - nought to one child, 1 to 2 children or 2 to 3 children? (or 3 +?)

I found 0-1 much harder than 1-2, I think the whole baby thing was such a shock, but 1-2 was better. Will 2-3 be mindblowing? (I am 33 wks with no 3, DC1 is 3.5, DC2 is 20 months)

first child throws your whole life up in the air as you adjust

second child makes little difference in my view

according to my sister third child throws it up in the air again

bumpety bump

First one took a few weeks to sort out what i was meant to be doing, am I doing it right etc etc second one (6weeks old) hardly know shes her slotted into our routine and so contented that I am sure I'll end up leaving her at home by accident one day not planning on having a third but imagine getting 3 kids out of the door on time may be slighlty trickier!!

I'm agreeing with you frenziednester!

First child - terrible shock! I was in my 30's, had a fab career, went out loads and had beautiful clothes. And then there was this baby!

1-2 was better than I expected and 2-3 was easy-peasy.

I had all 3 DCs within 3 years so was up to my eyes in nappies and 'small child' stuff anyway - here's hoping you have the same experience!

here not her oops

ellie - !! Norks, thanks for the encouragement - I am tbh hanging my hat on the fact my nappy changing is still slick with no skill fade!!!!

I found 1 to 2 harder than going from 0 to 1

2 to 3 was fine

so IMO 1 to 2 is the biggest challenge

0 to 1 was the hardest. For me it was the incredible life changing experience, that you suddenly had this precious child that was yours forever to nurture and look after. The overwhelming sense of responsibility was amazing. The tiredness was hard but I didn't mind losing my independance so much.

1 - 2 was fine, just slotted in

2 -3 as above - though it is physically harder (anyone that says its easier 2nd or 3rd time round usually means in the emotional sense imo). You are having to look after and entertain your existing child/children plus look after a newborn and all that entails with bf/sleepless nights/exhaustion etc. Theres the jealousy thing, I've recently experienced terrible twos and potty training - nightmare - but things have settled down.

i thoroughly recommend three though I had a 5 year old and 2 year old. My first gap of 3 years was loads easier than the second gap of 2 years, think it has a lot to do with the advanced communication/understanding etc that a 3 year old has compared with a 2 year old.

i am lucky (?) in that each of my babies have been easier than the last, my third is a dream and though its been tough its only for a short time (like 18 years!) and its so worth it.

what about the school run thing? Have just started it with DS1 and we make it out of the door by the skin of our teeth every morning, and that's with both of them able to put their own coats and shoes on - can't imagine factoring a baby into that is going to be easy...

Oh my god yes, the school run. Never thought of that when I started a family.

How hard it is now getting 5.5, 2.5 and 7 months out the door in the morning, kids in car, parking, buggy out, kids out, walk up to school, back to car, kids back in, buggy back in, drive home, kids out again etc - all to be done again in the middle of the afternoon - aaahhhgg

I only did 3 mornings of pre-sch when I had a babies and they don't mind if you're late. BUT from this September my school run will be...

8.45 4yo in Reception & 5yo in Year 1 at primary school
3yo in pre-school at 9am (pre-sch is 4 miles from primary sch).

12pm pick-up 3yo
1pm pick-up part-time reception child
3.15pm pick-up full-time year 1 child

And don't even get me started on swimming lessons...

Actually that sounds worse than it is. They are a brilliant 'team' and I never regret having had them so close in age.