https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:20:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1406489 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 09:00:03 +0000 GrapeCrush 1406489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom had 3 under 3 and she said it was easier to go from 2-3 than 1-2! My friend just had her third and she said so far it hasn't been too bad. Good luck </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1406435 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 08:40:08 +0000 looch 1406435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it becomes a different ball game when school starts though. I only have one kid, but I am the oldest of three and I know for sure my mom was stressed when I was in elementary school, partly because our schools were redistricted and I went to one school and my brothers went to another.</p> <p>I think that's when it gets tough, when there are diff. start and end times and activities and you're in the car all day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1406063 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:16:44 +0000 SAHM0811 1406063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't heard this at all! All my cousins and friends with 3+ kids say the following regarding transitions:</p> <p>1 kid - tough at first, but not bad overall<br /> 2 kids - pretty tough transition<br /> 3 kids - smoothest transition</p> <p>I think perhaps that's because after 2, you really learn how to multitask, prioritize, and divide your attn. I solo parent a lot so am used to being outnumbered with 2 anyway. Also, usually by the time #3 comes around, the eldest is at least 4+ years old and pretty independent. </p> <p>I was a little freaked out at the thought of 3 at first, but as my pregnancy has progressed, I think I've mentally prepared myself for the crazy that's about to hit. And as soon as my 1st tri fatigue subsided, I've been getting myself more organized around the house and with our routine to prep for the newborn phase all over again. I think I'm getting more excited than nervous now... You'll do great!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405985 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 23:24:50 +0000 birdofafeather 1405985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i was just talking to someone about this, but her LO's are MUCH closer in age. she said 2 to 3 wasn't bad as i think she just has the hang of it now, but her DH said it was harder... so all in perspective maybe?</p> <p>ETA: we want 3, but i'm scared for the 1 to 2 transition bc R was such an easy baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405375 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 20:25:57 +0000 Bao 1405375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no idea, but I know my sister has 3 kids and they are hard to manage...when I'm caring for them anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405366 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 20:23:35 +0000 rattles 1405366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have one, but I'm the oldest of five, and my mom always said 1 to 2 was harder than any other for her. I think if you're used to parenting alone during the day, you were already outnumbered most of the time! You can do this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405246 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 19:55:46 +0000 Mrs. Train 1405246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HLK208: my pleasure just try not to stress yourself out. You will adjust! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405211 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 19:51:14 +0000 Ginger333 1405211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBehr: I feel the same way.</p> <p>I dunno, I think three is pretty great. I have a 7, 5 and 17 month old and I'm really enjoying it. *shrug* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405129 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 19:32:53 +0000 kml636 1405129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am also scared about this since I think I want more than 2 :) My mom had three and she said going from two to three was horrible... great thanks mom. I just figure people have done it forever so if you are blessed with three you will make it work !!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1405048 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 19:15:29 +0000 HLK208 1405048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBehr: yes! I'm a SAHM so I have definitely learned a few tricks of how to contain the LO's in public, alone lol. That's a huge relief to read your response, I hope for the same!</p> <p>@autumnlove: thanks, friend! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404866 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:38:55 +0000 MamaBehr 1404866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Woah woah woah, this has NOT been my experience. Perhaps it is because I'm only 6 weeks into being a mom of three, but I think it is easier! I hardly even notice the new baby. Maybe it is because I'm lucky and he's laid back, but I think going from 2 to 3 was SO much easier than 1 to 2. I feel like I'm already good at dividing my attention amongst multiple children, I know the perks of being a sibling so giving more attention to the baby doesn't make me feel guilty, and I feel like I can enjoy each phase of the baby because I know it is fleeting. @HLK208: I think you will do great! Are you a SAHM? I am and I'm use to being outnumbered :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404746 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:04:42 +0000 autumnlove 1404746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: Hahah, her husband still looks youthful but he travels a lot for work!</p> <p>@HLK208: You will do great! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404711 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:47:15 +0000 Maysprout 1404711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom had 4 and said for her 1-2 was the hardest transition. Hopefully it goes smoothly for you, sometimes its good to prepare for the worst and then maybe be pleasantly surprised. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404700 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:42:44 +0000 HLK208 1404700@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Train: I was hoping you would comment! Thanks for the encouragement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404616 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:05:05 +0000 Sammyfab 1404616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like @Mrs. Train said, I think it's because you're outnumbered. With 2, you can divide and conquer; but with 3 someone needs to do double duty. And then with 4 you're just conditioned to the chaos so it seems easier! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404582 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:58:27 +0000 cascademom 1404582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: My brother has twin boys and a girl. I think that my brother definitely aged more when their third child came along. He seems more noticeably tired with 3 than 2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404537 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:45:37 +0000 Mrs. Train 1404537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please don't be worried!! Sure, three kids is hard. Sure there will be days when they are all driving you crazy, and you will just want to cry. But there will also be great days, when they make you smile and laugh and brighten your day! </p> <p>I think people say it's the hardest because you are outnumbered for the first time. It also ups your chances that someone will be fussy at any given time. When my boys are going through a rough patch it sometimes feel like someone is constantly whining at me. But they come out of it eventually. I don't know if my opinion counts since all three boys came along at the same time but adding in a fourth was a piece of cake compared to my three boys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404470 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:27:04 +0000 StbHisMrs 1404470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I won't lie, it is so much harder than 2. My oldest is 11 and is able to help, but going anywhere (school, grocery store, baby-sitter, anywhere!) is so much harder now. Maddy &amp; Charlie don't fight yet so that isn't the problem for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404467 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:26:33 +0000 .twist. 1404467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe because with two, you have one hand for each, with three, you don't. Just grow an extra arm!!!!!!! ;) </p> <p>I was a little worried about this too, but it turned out ok because our boys are a bit older (6&amp;9). So, they are definitely more of a help than hinder. But, if we end up with one more, I don't know how I'll survive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404450 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:21:47 +0000 LovelyPlum 1404450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: @blackbird: sounds about right! I grew up in a family of 5 kids, and this was pretty much our house.</p> <p>@HLK208: you're going to be a rockstar. My mother tells me that having a sense of humor was the secret to her success. You can do it! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404422 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:15:59 +0000 HLK208 1404422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CupQuakeWalk: I am! That's what I'm telling myself (even though the grays that are popping up are telling me I'm closer to 50). You're right - I was prepared when I got pregnant but then seeing moms of 3 really struggle scares the crap out of me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404410 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:12:14 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1404410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Who cares?! You'll be done with all your kids early and then get to sit back and enjoy having older kids ;) what I'm ultimately sayin is: if there is ever a time when you will have energy for 3, it is now, in your 20s (which I am assuming you are in). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404409 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:12:10 +0000 HLK208 1404409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: hahaha</p> <p>Oh gosh. Well my oldest is dropping the tantrums at age 4 so hopefully that will help. I'm sure E, my middle child will be the hardest since she requires a lot of attention when she's upset now (she had a meltdown for a full hour with screaming and hitting the other day). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404400 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:09:25 +0000 autumnlove 1404400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend has a 5, 3 and 1 year old and she says she has aged a lot in the last year. Lots of whining, fighting, jealousy and not enough parents to go around. They also went through some financial issues so she had to look for work right after baby 3 was born and started a new job at 5 weeks PP. Sleep deprivation was also an issue because her LO 2 and 1 both woke up several times a night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404390 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:05:54 +0000 blackbird 1404390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe your give-a-shit drops by the time you have a 4th. You adopt a, "oh they'll be fine" mentality :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404389 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:05:40 +0000 MamaMoose 1404389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: Hahaha my friend made the same comparison. And said that when you get to 4 it's just about "blocking the exits so you don't lose anyone" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404388 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:05:38 +0000 Mae 1404388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just a guess but I wonder if it is because by the time you have #4, unless you are VERY quick about things, I'd imagine #1 is old enough to be less of a challenge and more of a helper? Whereas for #3 the first is probably still not quite old enough to help much? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404378 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:04:06 +0000 LovelyPlum 1404378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friends with 3 describe it as going from "man on man defense" to "zone defense". Maybe 4 is not as bad because you're already used to being outnumbered? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404374 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:02:40 +0000 mrsjyw 1404374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH's bff has three boys and they both said that the hardest was that their first two boys were super easy babies, sttn in infancy, etc. And their third is still having sleep issues (won't fall asleep in crib, has to be transitioned from couch sleeping to crib) at almost two years old! They're all 2.5 years apart and the oldest does help out with what he can at 7! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-is-having-3-so-hard#post-1404364 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:00:04 +0000 doodlepoodle 1404364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't even have 2 so I can't contribute but I notice that a lot of people have their first 2 kids closer together then there is a gap before the 3rd and I think it's because the older kids can help out more! That might be poppycock though ;-) I'm still freaking out over the thought of having two! ;-) </p>