going from 2-3

I'm just curious what people's experience was going from 2 children to 3 children. I've been warned it's a toughie (possibly harder than going from 1-2 apparently).

My sons are 6 and 3.5 and I'm intimidated to add another (though actively doing LE and TTC'ing). I'm also concerned about middle child syndrome.

I was hoping some of you would consider sharing your experiences with me :)

I am the oldest of 3 and my sister (the middle) says she dealt with it (though I'm dubious because there is 6 years between her and I and 8 years between her and the youngest, my brother).

Anyway, thanks in advance :)
Angie

I found 1-2 harder, emotionally, it felt like I took on a family at that point whereas before that it was me and my buddy ds1 hanging out and having fun! 2-3 for me was only tough because my ds3 had terrible colic, but it wasn't as much of a shock to the system as going from 1-2! I think the age of your kids helps. I have a 3yr3mth, 4yr3mth and by November 3yr5mth age gaps. My eldest 2 are quite independent and can get snacks, help out with the littlest man. I'm still nervous tho! Never imagined being a mum of 4!! You'll be fine! Xx


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I heard the opposite, like going form 1 to 2 was harder than going from 2 to 3! I am hoping that's true because baby #3 is due in August!

It depends on the temperament of number 3. Easy baby, easy transition. As long as your older 2 aren't babies themselves- ie in diapers, etc!

I didn't find it difficult at all, but.... my middle child...is a brat now. We are hoping adding another child will "cure" him. hahaha

I'm curious to hear what you all have to say about this, too. I do feel like 2 is much easier than one, which is maybe not how many parents experience it, but my two play together well and often, and generally keep each other happy and entertained (if not out of trouble). I find that DD#2 can be a handful when I'm alone with her all day, but is much more interested in being with her sister than having my attention when both girls are around.

So if two are easier than one, of course I've always wanted three! We'll see how it works out when DD#3 gets here (if all goes well :fingers:). I do feel really lucky to have two who generally get along well and spend lots of time together, and it will be interesting to see if having another changes this dynamic.
Mine are pretty widely spaced, too--not necessarily my choice, but just how it worked out.

I have recently had a third baby and I found the transition quite easy. In saying that, she is an amazing baby and I cannot believe how blessed I am. She is such a great kid, I am considering having #4!

I haven't found 1-2 or 2-3 more difficult. For me it was #1 that rocked my world. Now that I am in Mommy mode it doesn't seem as difficult to add another as #1 was.

We went from 2 to 4 cause we had twins but I didn't find it hard at all. And having six, we don't have middle child syndrome but I do find sometimes DS2 feels left out as he isn't the eldest or one of the youngest and he isn't a twin, and he is really easy, but him and I are very close. I was more worried about going from 1 to 2 and thought I wouldn't love a second child as much as I loved our first...of course it was unwarranted worry as a mums love multiplies!! 😊💜

Interesting! My 2 constantly fight (though when they do play nicely, it's like heaven). Maybe because they're both boys they are more wrestly and hands on? It is possible that people were trying to scare me out of a third ;) the whole kids outnumber the parents thing, I guess. My second son is prone to tantrums when he hears the word no but when he's alone, the difference in him is amazing. He is well behaved and quiet. Put him with his brother/other children he is a maniac!!! On top of the fact that he doesn't appear to need sleep....

I always wanted 4 (even numbers, no middle child) but hubby is NOT having any of that. Took this long to convince him a third wouldn't be the end of the world. He has also said if he knew what it would be like, he wouldn't have had any :( He follows that up saying he loves them and wouldn't change them now that we have them but if he knew beforehand, he would have choosen not to have children (he was never around children, never even held a baby until he was 19/20).

I appreciate your responses. Makes me feel a little better about increasing my family to 5!

Angie

P.S. I'd never tell my husband, but if I got pregnant with twins, I'd be over the moon (his brother had 2 boys and then his wife got pregnant with twin boys). But if I even whisper the word twins, he tells me the baby making factory is closed!