I have posted this is two different places where it was fitting. hello. I have two boys. My oldest will be 3 in April and my youngest is 15 months. My husband and I have been talking about having one more child. We want to try for a girl, but would be just as thrilled for a boy. At First, my husband was questioning it: "I barely have time in the evenings to play with the two we have" etc, however, decited he wanted to try, mostly because we want them close in age. once he agreed, I started feeling afraid. "3 kids close in age is a lot" "can I hangle it" "they are both still in diapers, and one is nursing" how will the boys feel about a new baby" "do we have enough room" "I've recently lost 55lb," etc. I'm planning on home schooling my kids, and at this point, my boys will be starting around the same time. It seems perfect before bringing another one in. I am looking for advise in this matter. People say close in age is best, while others argue spread out isn't that bad. I'd like to ask like minded people that are both homeschooling, and can relate to these fears. Help
Don't stress about it. You'll fall into a groove and just figure it out like anything else parents have to figure out. Not only that, but there are several types of curricula that are designed with siblings in mind. You can teach all the kids at the same time, but at their level, for certain subjects and only have to separate them for things like math. You can keep one or two busy with naps or coloring while working with a level-specific subject for another child. You'll figure it out. Plenty of time for that.
I have three kids. My son is 4 (almost 5), my daughter is 3 and my baby is almost 9 months old. I am not going to lie and say it is easy, but I love having the kids close together so they are into the same kind of stuff. I think it will be easier to have the baby before you start homeschooling as well. I say, if you want a third baby...GO FOR IT!
I would say do it now. Its harder to return to diapering, breastfeeding etc when you have been away from it for awhile. The homeschooling should be fine as they would be so close in age. But attention is divided with each successive child so it is a consideration. Tough call. Think on it awhile more since you are unsure. And pray as God will show you the way.
This is sooooo true. I forgot how much "work" it was between the first two which are 4 yr. 10 mon. apart. When the 3rd one came along I had waited on him for so long that the "work" didn't matter but it was harder but I was much older too! LOL I can tell you that my youngest two that are only 1 yr 11 mon. apart are the best of friends and have been since day one. They are a joy to watch and listen to when they are playing together. They don't like to be away from each other not even for just 5 min. Now my oldest two, well that's a completely different story. They have never been friends. I think it is because they are like day and night and because they are almost 5 years apart. Now as far as the 18 yo and the 5 yo, they both think each other hung the moon, but they have a lot in common. As far as HSing, it is working out great with the youngest two, but we are just starting out. I suggest just leaving it up to God. He has the perfect plan and knows how far apart you children need to be. Remember, He won't give us more than we can handle.
I only have one child. I soooooo wish I could have more. I say go for it!!!!!! It must be great to have a house full of kids!!!! Be Blessed, Dawn
Thank you all very much for your input. I think I daubt myself, and am fearful of being out numbered. I have some praying to do. Thank you.
Pray about it first and foremost. But also do what both you and your dh feel is right. I have 6 kids, the first 2 were 2.5 years apart and that was good spacing, then we had #2 and #3 12 months apart and I have to say that was very hard, but now they are such good friends and I am glad they are so close. #3 and #4 are 1.5 years apart and that was good spacing as well, and then #4 and #5 are nearly 4 years apart and then then we had #5 and #6 almost 2 years apart. I have to say that no matter what I did to ttc when I wanted to it didn't work. So I know that God sent me my children when he knew I needed them.
You made me laugh about being outnumbered lol. There are days I feel that with two. ;P Children are like stars each one different, unique, and a blessing from God. Therefore one can't say how number three would work out for you as each one is a true surprise. But pray about it.
I am 28 weeks pregnant with #3 although mine won't be that close. We struggled with infertility for years and finally had our first who is now 6. We never used birth control and it took a long time to get pregnant with #2 as well. My boys are 3 1/2 year apart but are so close. This pregnancy was not planned but we weren't using bc either. I think no matter whether your pregnancies are planned or how close or far apart in age your kids are, you will always have fears. I feel so blessed to be given 3 miracles after being told we would never have any. However, that doesn't erase the worries of how will I do this, I don't have room, can I homeschool all 3, will I have enough patience, etc. You just have to pray about it and take things as they come. Btw, this third one is a girl so we are thrilled. Good luck to you.
Close in age and spaced out both have pros and cons. No one can answer this except you and your husband. It's different for each family. Some would be overwhelmed with 2-3 close together, some would find it hard to get back into the baby thing after a big space. Mine are not quite 3 years apart and they are very close. But my youngest is 4 and we'd like another one but hubby is out of work so we're not trying right now, so if we do have #3 (infertility issues) -there will be quite a space between 2 and 3.... Like Minthia-I figure God know if and when we need another baby
My first 2 were 21 months apart. Yes, one bolting in the opposite direction - but hey the baby don't move so run after the one that can! But then, a seris of miscarriages meant that the gap for the next one was over 4 years and this has proved to be a bit of a nightmare for me/us. She is very jealous although won't admit it, is very demanding on my time and is reluctant to share me, although loves her sibling to death almost...my tuppence worth is close is good - besides, who wants to ditch diapers then have to go back again - get it over and done with in one foul swoop! We're currently trying for ~4 so that there is little time between them then at least it will feel like 2 lots of 2 rather than 2 then 1. Hope this helps SS xx
