Are you feeling anxious about welcoming a newborn into a household with two other kids? I spent months pondering how I’d handle it, but now that my third child has arrived, I want to share three reassuring thoughts that might ease your mind if you’re preparing for this exciting addition to your family.
1. You’ve Learned That “This Too Shall Pass.”
Everyone loves to remind you that “this too shall pass” when it comes to parenting challenges. I heard this phrase countless times during my parenting journey, often from nostalgic older women who quickly followed it with, “Enjoy it! Time flies.” When I was struggling with my first newborn, I couldn’t imagine that the exhaustion would ever fade. I felt the same with my second child, convinced my earlier survival was a fluke. But now, having experienced it all, I find myself repeating that mantra: whatever chaos is happening—sleepless nights, a messy home, or the lack of adult conversations—it won’t last forever. By the time you have a third child, you’ve survived the trials twice before! You will eventually find comfort in those fleeting moments, and someday, you’ll dress up for a night out with your partner, feeling fabulous, despite the current chaos.
2. Any Accomplishment Feels Like a Major Win.
Did you manage to brush both kids’ teeth and feed the baby? Mother of the Year, right here! Whether it’s completing a simple craft project (think: threading cheerios onto a pipe cleaner) or successfully navigating a solo trip to the pharmacy with all three kids in tow, you’ll feel like a champion. I still remember my first solo outing to the drugstore, lugging my toddler and an infant car seat while calling out, “Are you with me?!” to my eldest. Despite the craziness, I felt accomplished just for getting out the door without needing assistance. If you can manage that, you’re well on your way to earning your Mother of the Year trophy!
3. Newborn + 2 Older Kids is Simpler than Newborn + 1 Older Kid.
It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true! I’m not saying that juggling three kids is a walk in the park, especially if one is a toddler, as that can be incredibly challenging. However, having an older child makes a world of difference. When it was just my firstborn and the second, I felt like the sole entertainer, which was exhausting. Now, my older two can play together, and the eldest even helps out. I’m not talking about the kind of help that results in a mess; I mean genuine assistance like keeping an eye on the toddler while I care for the baby. Having another person in the house who can hold a conversation and even find humor in the antics of the little ones is a huge relief. Sure, they argue sometimes, but I remind myself: “this too shall pass.” Watching their sibling bond develop is a joy, and it’s a wonderful journey to witness.
So, upcoming mother of three, take a deep breath. While some may make it seem daunting, this new adventure can be incredibly rewarding! And if you’re interested in understanding more about the journey to motherhood, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility from ACOG, or explore more about fertility boosters for men in our other blog posts. You can even find an at-home insemination kit to help you on this path.
Summary:
Welcoming a third child can feel overwhelming, but with each experience, you learn that challenges are temporary, and small victories become significant achievements. The dynamics of having three kids can bring unexpected joys and support, making the journey rewarding. Embrace the chaos, knowing that this phase will pass.
Keyphrase: managing a third baby
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