How do I know if I'd cope with a 3rd child?

[LittleTipple]

We're still trying to decide if we should try for a third DC. DC1 is 3, DC2 is 1. I think what is ultimately holding me back is wondering if I've got what it takes to cope with three small children and eventually three teenagers.

I'm very broody and can't bring myself to throw any baby stuff out, but am I just sad to be leaving the baby days?

I'm a SAHM, late thirties and we lead quite a civilised life. I know a third would be a lot more work, but would it push me over the edge? I'm scared of stretching ourselves too thin, whilst trying to achieve this idealised image I have of a little tribe of DC's.

Has anyone got any words of wisdom? Do you need super powers to cope well with more than 2.4 children?!

It's impossible to say how you'll cope. But where I live there's a saying to the effect that you grow with your new tasks I hope it's true as I have a 3yo, a 1.5yo and another on the way. Eek! Since finding out I've been a lot calmer and more patient with the kids - I kind of feel like I owe it to them to become a better parent if we're bringing another one into the mix. Having said that I've been wondering if we'll discover we've pushed ourselves too far - especially at the horror period of late afternoon when both of them are hungry, tired and trying to kill each other while I make dinner.

Hopefully there'll be lots of positive stories. Personally I always had a feeling that I wasn't "done" with two whereas now I'm quite confident that 3 will (all being well) be where it ends.

Congratulations Chloe! That's a great saying and has certainly been true for me so far. I think in a way it would be easier to leave it up to fate, as I know we'd just get on with it if we conceived. It's all this thinking, pros and cons, up and down days that I'm tired of - feel like it's all I think about! And yes, the witching hour is a killer. Good luck for the future

Thank you! Yes I think the mulling it over is the hard part and the push and pull of your heart versus your head. But if it's all you ever think about then maybe there's your answer!?

We were lucky to skip that debate. Our first two were both IVF babies after several years of trying, number three was a big surprise! I guess my body really wants this baby!

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