8 Real Truths About Having 3 Kids

When you think about having kids you automatically start making boundaries and rules in your head, like, we will only have SUV’s no mini van’s ever, or my kids will never sleep in my bed, or my kids will never have a meltdown in Wal-Mart…seriously that one is hysterical. You can make all the boundaries and rules you want to, but the truth is kids do not care! They will exploit every weakness you have, whenever and wherever they see fit.

We are 6 months into having three kids and let me tell you, I was not prepared for the change that came with it. And I thought having two kids was hard, but boy was I wrong. So if you are thinking about having kids or if you already have one and are thinking about another, read this post. I am sharing the real truth about kids and what we have learned over the past few months…

#1

Trust me the mini van is Necessary!! I was that person who always said when I have kids I will have the large SUV or truck, I will never own a mini van. Well guess what folks, it was the best decision we ever made. I mean lets get serious here, you have to get rid of any shred of coolness you have left, because mini vans are nerdy. But believe me once you have three kids, you realize just how necessary their comfort is and how just a simple touch from a sibling can result in a full on meltdown.

#2

Sleep?? What the heck is that?? Sleeping with three kids in the house is simply unheard of. Just imagine being in a deep sleep having the best dream in the world. Then BAM you are jolted awake because you just took a heel to the eye, or a kick to the back, only to realize you’ve been asleep an hour. This is what sleeping with kids is like. It doesn’t matter if you put them in their own beds, they magically end up in yours, and keep you up all night long.

#3

When one kid is gone, it feels like a vacation. I know this sounds terrible but it is so true. After having to watch three kids, make three separate meals (only to have each one still hate it), and make sure they are not tearing the house down, it is relieving when one goes to their grandparent’s house. You feel like you can just sit down, relax, and just breathe for a minute.

#4

Shopping with the whole gang is reserved for emergencies or being forced. I find shopping with my three completely terrifying. It is so hard to focus on getting what you went in there for all while making sure the oldest isn’t running to the toy isle alone, and the middle child isn’t hanging out of the buggy, and the baby has his blanket so he isn’t freezing to death, because they keep it so freaking cold in there.

#5

Perfection is a thing of the past. Keeping a clean house and living with kids is impossible. They have to drag out every toy they have in their rooms, then once they can’t see the floor in there, they start bringing it out into the other rooms. Plus the laundry. I mean where does it all come from? I don’t understand how they can wear so much in one day. Its never ending.

#6

Showing up late is now being expected of you since it happens often. Getting all of them ready and out the door is like wrangling monkey’s in the forest. The chaos will become your new normal, trust me.

#7

Amusement is the key. There will be times when one kid starts crying and it triggers the domino effect on the others, and there you are stuck smack dab in the middle of it. The best thing to do is seek out the amusement. Laugh so you don’t cry yourself. Laugh so you don’t lose your temper because you’ve had a long day. Laugh out of hope they will start laughing too and it will all be over.

#8

Living with three kids is hard. Being a good mother is hard. Being a good wife is hard. But loving each one of them is easy. You will be amazed by the capacity of your own heart. With each child you think your heart is so full that you couldn’t possibly love anyone else that much, then you have another child, and you realize just how much love your heart can hold for each sweet precious little blessing.

Just remember…You are not alone in this. There are plenty of other moms out there who are going through the same thing as you. We just have to stick together and support each other.