“You’re going to get another baby brother!” I joyfully declared to my toddler when I was six months pregnant. Expecting cheers and excitement, I was taken aback when he nonchalantly responded, “I’ve already got him, I don’t need another one,” as he pushed his 1-year-old brother to the floor. Attempting to amp up the enthusiasm, I chimed in with, “But another one is going to be even more fun!” in a high-pitched tone, trying to convince both of us.
A few days later, I came across an article discussing a survey about the most stressful number of children for moms, which surprisingly was three. Hoping it wasn’t true, I found myself in that exact scenario with three kids, realizing the unique challenges that accompanied it.
Transitioning from one to two kids seemed manageable, but adding a third proved to be a game-changer. As an only child myself, I was unprepared for the whirlwind that awaited me, leading to a steep learning curve (quite literally, as my middle son started a fire one morning). The challenges of having three kids became abundantly clear.
One of the immediate practical dilemmas was having only two arms for three little ones, especially with my boys being close in age. A vivid memory of a chaotic moment in a grocery store parking lot epitomized this struggle, with a baby carriage, two toddlers, and a split-second decision to avert a potential disaster.
Feeling outnumbered was a recurring theme. While managing two kids allowed for man-on-man defense, handling three felt more like playing zone – not always as effective. The mental and emotional load of catering to each child’s unique needs while ensuring individual attention posed a significant challenge.
Moreover, odd numbers posed logistical hurdles, from amusement park rides to hotel accommodations, designed for families of four. The constant battle of the “odd one out” within the trio dynamics added another layer of complexity, often leading to feelings of exclusion and discord.
Despite the inherent challenges, I’ve come to appreciate the dynamics of having three kids, recognizing the intricacies and joys that come with it. While pondering whether life would be simpler with fewer or more children, I remain grateful for the gift of motherhood and the unique bond I share with each of my three boys.
In the end, despite the chaos and occasional strife, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. As Christina Crawford aptly puts it, “where’s the fun in peace and quiet?”
Christina Crawford is a dedicated writer, avocado aficionado, and mother to three lively boys based in Dallas. Her days are filled with extinguishing literal and metaphorical fires while striving to keep her children and goldfish thriving. Her work has been featured in various publications including Newsweek, HuffPost, Health Magazine, Parents, Scary Mommy, and Today Show Parents. For more of her humor-infused anecdotes, follow her on Twitter at @Xtina_Crawford