If you've got three or more kids

[Mog]

just how exhausted are you? I feel completely done in at the moment. dh is working away from home and have children of 6, 4.5 and 3. Is this normal? Just feel there is never a moment spent not meeting their needs.

[Mung]

Not much help tp you, but I feel that and I only have 2. You definitely put me off having a third (trying to make a decision about that at the moment). I hope your DH comes back soon and shares the load a bit.

Any chance of a rest for you over the Bank holiday?

[Lostmykeys]

Mog do you work?

[fryalot]

absolutely, totally, bone-wearyingly knackered!

you are not alone - they are hard work.

[nutcracker]

Permanently, I have 3, ages 9, 7 and 4, and am a single mum.

I don't feel as exhausted as I first did when xp left though. You kind of just get used to it.

[lovecamping]

i have 3 kids and am completely exhausted, emotionally, mentally and physically. min are still small (5, 2 and 6mths). i'm hoping things will get easier. dh also works long hours and sometimes travels.

i really look forward to weekends when dh takes one or two of them off to do something so there is time just me & baby. thats when i get to watch some tv and a cup of tea before mayhem again.

my kids also watch alot of TV and we try to eat as heathly as posstible ... but yes, its normal....

[Lostmykeys]

Is it worth having a third? Like Mung I cna't make up my mind - would like to give it a go what are the plus points?

[lovecamping]

i can think of any good points to having a third, other than you would like to have more than 2.

we feel more complete but its bloody hard work...

[lovecamping]

oops, meant 'i cant think'...

[startouchedtrinity]

I have three aged 5, 3 and 1 and whilst I adore the very bones of them I love that moment when all three are finally in bed and I can become myself again for an hour or two. I found having two a breeze and am surprised how tired I am - although I am anaemic which obv. doesn't help. I'm dreading dd1 going back to school and dd2 to pre-school b/c it will be a return to early, pressured mornings and evenings spent sorting uniform and lunch boxes.

[LadyVictoriaOfCake]

plus points. well its hard thinking opf them as all 3 of mine are ill atm but i just popped my head into their room and they are all curled up together under one blanket. awww.

[Lostmykeys]

You've hit the nail on the head LC re feeling complete. Not sure if I would regret not having a third a few years down the line. But... I work full time and my DH isn't always around, so would probably regret it. Oh I can't decide!!

[fryalot]

good points:

there is always someone for each child to play with, even if one of them wants some "alone" time,

there is always a child wanting your attention,

there is a squishy squashy squeeze every time you go out in the car as a family,

your food bills treble,



oh wait, you wanted good points, of course!

seriously, wouldn't be without any of them for the world.

[startouchedtrinity]

Plus points to three - there is a great big hole where another dc should be and that hole is filled. Gales of laughter all day long (really, it's true). More big sloppy hugs and kisses. Three times the love.

I'm not having any more though!

[Leati]

Everyday!!!

[Lostmykeys]

Star that is just lovely

[magsi]

I have three, 5.7, 3.7 and 22m. Sometimes you find you are doing relay races round the house tidying up one mess and fixing one disaster after another. I am also relieved when they are all in bed and asleep. Our first is disabled and sometimes this is hard, but I wouldn't change a bloody thing (if only to have a bit more hair!)

[Mog]

I have started working 2 days a week but to be honest that feels like a break!! With 3 it is just so unrelenting. there seems to never be a point where someone doesn't need something. suppose I just want a bit of empathy. Dh is great when he is here.
Just as an example, today took them all to the beach. Running round mad after the youngest. Then back and have to cook, bath and bed and just feel so tired I can not move. And I mean that literally.

[lovecamping]

the moment that stops me regret having 3 is when they make each other laugh. annoying when its at the dinner table, and fantastic anytime of day ... it really does feel great ... its also amazing how they can hurt each other one minute and then be laughing the next...

[Mung]

Mog...you must have some of these lovely times too. Go in and have a little peek at them sleeping, will that make you feel a bit better? I always love that after a crap day of screaming, moaning, cleaning up wee from the floor, changing nappies, general cheekiness...it reminds you that they are just babies (even at 6, 4.5 and 3) and that they are yours.

Soppy I know, but Startouchedtrinity started it

[chacha3]

i agree my dd are 8,5 and 4 hard work!!! lol

[lovecamping]

i envy you for having to go to work - i wish i could go to work.

[startouchedtrinity]

I am really going to miss the dds when they go back to school /pre school. I love having them around even if all we are doing is hanging out together.

But I have just realised that cooking for five is totally different to cooking for four and that my double oven and hob isn't big enough to cope.

[TheHun]

I have 2 aged 4 and 14 months plus another due in nov. Am knakered already but just felt that 3 would be right for us. Expecting to be knackered for next few years but will be worth it. Love them but love it when they go to bed. Work 2 days a week which feels like a break, never thought I would feel like that about leaving them but it is so relentless. 4 year old is ask ing 'why' about everything imaginable, 14 mth is now walking and climbing at speed and I'm almost 7 mths pregnant. Never been happier, though it takes effort and planning to find time for me and dh.

[divastrop]

have only read the op,but i have 5 aged 9.8,8.9,4,20 months and 5.5 months.

i am not physically exhausted,but i am emotionally drained due to the constant arguing/whinging/fighting that goes on when people spend too much time together.and i have got to the point where one more 'muuuuuummmmmm' from one of the older 3 is going to be met with a 'wtf do you want NOW?'

however,summer holidays were no different when i had just 2 children.

yet the 2 weeks the eldest two were at my mums were lovely and stress free

[Mog]

I'm not feeling down about having 3 but just tired. Just wondering if others felt the same or whether I should see the doctor about not being able to move at the end of the day .