Help! Need experienced opinions on more than 2 children?

Question

Hi I have 2 boys and they are 3 years and 2 days apart, feb.27.05 & feb.29.08, And I am almost positive I would like one more, closer in age also, But I am just concerned about the middle child prediciment and if 3 kids is much harder than 2. Any suggestions or personal experiences appreciated.

Answer 1

Three kids isn't that much harder than 2, unless they're VERY close in age, say a year or less apart.  At the spacing you guys are doing, it shouldn't be so bad.  Friends of mine, three families, all have 3 kids, spaced about that far apart (varying a little bit).  They have no complaints.  I have three kids, though my 2nd and 3rd are 12 years apart.  The older kids, even if they're still in elementary school, are going to be a big help to you--and should help you in whatever small ways they can; it's part of being in a family.  As for middle child problems, if you're aware of what a middle child might experience emotionally and work to make sure all your kids know you love them and they all get some personal time with you regularly, then you'll be oky.  Each child in the family will develop some characteristics based partly on their placement in the birth order of siblings--you can't help that.  Every kid and family is different.  Parent the best you can, strive to improve your education on child development and care, and you'll be fine.  So will the kids.

Answer 2

Okay I have 4 children ages 13, 10, 9,& 2. Let me tell you once you already have a plural number of children the rest is cake, just in bigger portions. ;p

Answer 3

Of course 3 kids are harder than 2.  And it'll be harder for each child to get as much attention.  But they will also play with eachother, & have more family.  So the choice is your personal situation.

Answer 4

We have 3, two boys ages 8 & 6 and our girl 18 months.  We are outnumbered, but I think we have a pretty good control over them.  Once you have 3, you could seriously have like 10.  3 is more hectic than 2 but it's fun.  Never a dull moment at my house and I am never bored.  I do worry about my middle son though.  I think sometimes he does get jealous of his sister b/c he's not the baby anymore.  But he plays with his older brother and we do special things with him also, so hopefully it'll all work out ok in the end.

Answer 5

The only main issue I found when our children were really little was when we had 3, we were out-numbered when they all were crying or needed something at the same time! But once some of them got older, it was fine. I don't have any issues with our middle child either. She is very happy and secure and gets LOTS of attention as do the others!

Answer 6

When I had my third child, I also, was concerned with my middle child.  It helped greatly that my third child is a girl, the same as my middle child and my first being a boy.  

In our family we set aside time with each of our children where we, as parents, do activities one-on-one with them each week.  In my experience, this has established a unique bond and allows a period of no interrupted time with each of them.  This has allowed them to talk to us individually without having to compete with thier siblings.  

Since we have done this, I have noticed I worry less as they grow closer to one another.