Should I have a third?

[ErinLynn1230]

I have 2 toddlers already - 3 1/2 and 1 1/2. If I did have a third, I'd want to keep them all close in age. But before I commit to this decision, I was wondering if I could get some feedback from other moms of three. Is there truly a big difference from going 2 to 3? I guess my biggest fear is cost because of our economy and middle child syndrome. thanks.

[myboysmom]

Well, I don't know about having them that close in age, but I just had my third in July. My boys are 5, almost 3, and 3 months. I think it is working good for us because my 5yo just started school this year, so for the better part of the day it's just two kids. It is more difficult at night because I have all 3 boys and my dh works 2nd shift which is 2pm-11pm, and I'm on my own. But all in all I am really enjoying my 3 kids and I don't think I'm done yet!! A word of advice though: For about the first month I found it really hard to go from 2 to 3, and I don't know why. The older two were both potty-trained, so that wasn't an issue. It was just personally harder to adjust to, but now we're doing fine. Good luck in whatever you decide!

[ErinLynn1230]

Thank you! Are you longing for a girl? :-)

[myboysmom]

Yes, YES, and YES! That was what #3 was supposed to be, but I guess he didn't get the memo.

[luckymama2]

I am in the same boat as you! My daughter just turned 3.5yrs in October and my son will soon be 15 months old. I have started thinking when and if we want to add a third child to our family but I am worried about middle child syndrome as well. Anyone who has older kids that have 3 - do you see any middle child syndrome in your middle one? I've heard it helps if the middle child has the opposite gender as both bigger and younger sibling so for me I would have to have another girl so that I would have Girl, Boy, Girl....it makes the middle child still feel unique as they then have their own interests, room, and different toys. I was told by a friend who is a therapist but I mean, I cannot guarantee a girl! LOL.

[shadowanna]

My kids are: boy (9), girl (8), and girl (4). My 8 year old has horrible middle child syndrome. She will do anything to be the center of attention, even negative behavior. She has a horrible attitude problem, and tries to control me.

However, that being said, she is a good hearted child, and loves on me all the time. I've been through 2 divorces since she was 2 and that has been very hard on her. I wouldn't trade my 3 kids for anything, and I'm thinking about doing IVF to have another one in the next few years, since I got my tubes tied after my youngest was born.

Close together can be hard, but so can spaced apart. At the least, I would recomend waiting until the youngest has started potty-training.

[ErinLynn1230]

Ok... so guess what... I found out I AM pregnant! So baby #3 is coming ready or not! Desperately trying to potty train the oldest (not to mention #2) so I don't end up with 3 kids in diapers! Still open to advice from moms of 3! Thanks for all your replies!

[babygiggles04]

Congrats!! i have 4 children TTC#5! I dont see the big difference between 2-3. I dont think that fiancially is a problem at all. I am a SAHM with 4 children 10,7,4,1 and we do it just fine. I mean we pay our bills, rent adn we still have a little extra to spend! you can hand down stuff and think of ways to entratain your family without spending money. I love having a big family and it makes me and my hubby happy! I guess you just have to use moderation when it comes to spending. MY idea of moderation----- kids don't have TV's in their rooms that just ranks the electricity bill, they take showers in pairs but hey we dont pay water. CLothes they get to have new clothes twice a year summer and winter and I find them on sale. I take hand downs from anybody. Food, food Food.... I control what they eat! no snacking when ever they want to i have a schedule and they eat when I say adn what I say! no choices! I cant afford making 1 mac and cheese, another rice and another chx nuggets! good luck w ur new baby!