I am preparing to have my third child in about two months. I have been pretty anxious about spreading myself amongst three kids. I am married,but my husband works a lot trying to run a family owned business. Sometimes I feel like a single parent. How can I adjust to having three? What could make for a smooth transition for me and for my other two kids whom are 5 and 3?
Call in reinforcements if you can. Bring in family or a really close friend to help out with the kids, especially for the first month or two after the baby's born. That way there's less pressure on you to be a "supermom" and you'll all be able to adjust more smoothly knowing that you have help that's there when you need it.
Hi K. - I was in the same boat as you about a year ago - mom to a 3 and 5 year old, expecting our 3rd. The good news is that your kids are old enough to play well by themselves and possibly even be helpful. But I don't know if there is anything you can do to make it "smooth" - it took us a good two months to even feel comfortable taking all 3 kids out of the house.
Fortunately, my son, who is now 15 months, was the most mellow, laid back baby who slept well and ate well - which I attribute to the fact that I was so busy with the other kids and the business I was running, he had to learn how to sooth himself much earlier in life. Breastfeeding was great for me, though - it forced me to take the time to sit down, rest, feed the baby and have some time with him.
Well - guess what - now I'm expecting #4 in August - a HUGE surprise. Any advice on how to make that go smoothly? LOL!
Hi K..
I am the mother of a 6, 4, and 6 month old baby. I thought that there wouldn't be enough of me to go around but there is plenty. My husband is gone from 6am until around 7 at night sometimes. I feel like a single mother alot of the time. You just need to make individual time for each child. While they are at school you can spend time bonding with the baby. Then while the baby naps you can spend time with the older kids. When your husband is home you could plan special events with the older kids either one child at a time or both at the same time. You will soon realize how easy it is to have 3 kids because the older kids can also feel special by helping with the baby. They will love it. I hope this helped you a little.
I have a 4 1/2 yr old, a 2 1/2 year old and 11 week old baby and my husband is gone from 8:30- till somewhere between 6 and 9 at night.I was really scared too, but honestly I think it was harder to go from 1-2 kids then it is to go from 2-3. The hardest part is getting out the door. It takes about 30 minutes to get everyone with shoes, diapers and a feeding but if you prepare ahead of time it isnt so bad.
We talked about the baby alot and now my older two will sit and pretend to nurse the dolls when I feed the baby, or we read stories while nursing. We made big brother and sister shirts, and a little onsie that they brought to the hospital for the baby. They bought a present and the baby gave them a present when she was born. Also we had a big brother big sister BBq, so all our friends could see the new one but the older two thought it was for them. The kids have their moments but for the most part they always want to hold her and help bring diapers and wipes. and for the first 2 months she slpet alot which will give you time with the older ones, now the baby is up a little more but they have already adjusted to her being here.
Good luck and congratulations
