Life with Three Kids: The Joys and Challenges

The decision to have three kids was an easy one for my husband and me. We initially planned to have two children, but after giving birth to our second, I found myself yearning for one more. Perhaps it was the hormones or the exhaustion from pregnancy, but it became clear that I wanted to expand our family. And now, as a mother of three, I can confidently say that life with three kids is good, albeit very, very crazy.

Here are some notable differences between having three kids compared to having one or two:

1. We drive minivans or SUVs: Having three kids means bidding farewell to anything smaller than a minivan or SUV. It simply isn’t feasible to squeeze three car seats (or a mix of booster seats and car seats) across the back of a sedan. Moreover, if you attempted to do so, the kids would be within hitting distance of each other. Thus, owning a minivan or SUV becomes a necessity. While some may see this as a major life crisis, I view it as a gateway to a whole new world. The convenience of being able to accommodate multiple children, playdates, and carpools is a game-changer. Admit it – secretly, you think minivans are cool too.

2. We always get asked how we manage everything: People with less than three kids often think we’re crazy. Whenever I step out of the house, I’m met with comments like “Wow, you really have your hands full!” This remark usually follows a child running off in a parking lot or a row of cereal boxes toppling off a grocery store shelf. Standing in line at the supermarket, I’ve had well-meaning individuals express disbelief and ask, “Are they all yours?” And of course, there’s the classic, “I don’t know how you do it!” I suspect what they truly mean is, “Why would you do that?”

3. We always have a playmate around: Growing up with only one sibling, I often found myself alone when my brother didn’t feel like playing. But for those of us with three kids, there’s always a backup playmate. If the oldest and middle children get into a fight, they can turn to the youngest for support. It’s a fantastic backup system that makes life easier, as playdates can be spontaneous and less structured.

4. We are amazing with logistics: With three kids, we become masters at organizing and scheduling. It’s the only way we can survive day-to-day. Someone has to keep track of who ate and who didn’t, who needs a diaper change, and who has completed their chores. Once all three kids reach school age, every morning becomes a tactical operation. On days when all three kids get out the door on time, with all their necessities, and without any meltdowns, I feel like giving myself a high-five.

5. We buy a lot more food: Having three kids justifies warehouse club memberships. Although it’s puzzling how the math works—three kids, but a food bill that seems to increase fivefold—the reality is that now that my children are school-age, snacks disappear at a staggering rate. It’s as if a pack of ravenous wolves descends upon my house every day.

6. We always have a noisy house: The noise level in our house rarely dips to an acceptable level unless the kids are at school or sound asleep. It begins as soon as one child wakes up, and there’s a constant cacophony until bedtime. Having thought that two kids were loud, I’ve since realized I was mistaken.

7. We have toys everywhere: In addition to an elevated food bill, our toy collection also multiplies. With one or two kids, toys tend to stay contained. However, with three kids, they mysteriously appear in every corner of the house. I discover them on the kitchen counter, in my underwear drawer, even in the refrigerator. Some toys seem to materialize out of thin air. I’ve reached a point where I don’t even recognize some of them!

8. You get to be the “fun” house: When you have three kids, your tolerance for noise and messes reaches astonishing levels. Combine that with having three kids playing together, and suddenly everyone wants to hang out at your place. It feels like you’re hosting a perpetual party. Three kids, three sets of toys, and parents who aren’t surprised by anything result in a genuinely fun environment for all.

9. You get three times the help: With three kids, there are three sets of hands available to assist with chores, cooking, and projects. There’s almost always someone willing to lend a hand. While having three kids does mean more work, there are also advantages. Cooking dinner for three kids doesn’t take longer than cooking for two. Yes, it might get messier, but with extra hands, the tasks become more manageable. My kids even have designated tasks, such as cleaning the guinea pig’s cage, which they share. With three little helpers, finding someone to do the work becomes easier.

10. We are outnumbered: As soon as you have three kids, you’re outnumbered as a parent. When there were only two kids, one parent could entertain the baby while the other engaged with the toddler. But with three kids, we have to employ more creative strategies. I now have three “sides” – left, right, and top (where the littlest one lies). My oldest and middle child have become adept at playing with each other and assisting one another when I need to nurse or change the baby. We function as a team, and our children have become much better at being independent, which is a wonderful thing.

11. You get three times the love: One of the most heartwarming aspects of having three kids is experiencing three times the love. We are blessed with three times the snuggles, three times the “I love you’s,” and three times the joy of witnessing their firsts. The love we receive from our children is immeasurable. With wide eyes, they look up to us, trusting us to guide and teach them. There is simply more love to go around.

In conclusion, life with three kids is an adventure. It requires adjustments, more planning, and increased energy levels, but the rewards are immeasurable. From driving a minivan to relishing the chaos, our family has embraced the vibrant and hectic world of three children. Despite the challenges, the love and joy experienced in raising them outweigh any difficulties. So, for those considering adding to their brood, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, tears, and an abundance of love.