But here's the thing.
A few short months ago, I only had two kids. And I didn't think it was easy. In fact, I can vividly remember thinking, "Gosh, when I only have one of these kids with me, it's so easy!"
But wait- there's more...
When I only had one child, I can remember feeling like my hands were SO full. It was an ordeal to get ready and get out the door. My diaper bag was packed for any eventuality. I tried to plan errands when my husband would be around to help!
All of this got me thinking about this equation:
"# of kids you have" - 1 = "much easier"
This has absolutely been true for me. But it begs the question...
Do parents of six children (or more!) really think it's that much easier to do things with one less child along? Does it make a noticeable difference at that point? Let me know!
Parents of large families- does this equation ring true for you? If not, is there an equation that would better fit your situation? I'd love to hear about it! And parents of 2, 3, or 4 kids... do you feel like I do?
Do parents of six children (or more!) really think it's that much easier to do things with one less child along? Does it make a noticeable difference at that point? Let me know!
Parents of large families- does this equation ring true for you? If not, is there an equation that would better fit your situation? I'd love to hear about it! And parents of 2, 3, or 4 kids... do you feel like I do?
I have three kids. My midwife--a mother of 6--told me if you can handle 3, you can handle anything.
ReplyDeleteInteresting dynamic, isn't it? Things I've observed:
ReplyDelete1. The switch from 1 to 2 was the hardest.
2. You've now moved from man-on-man to zone-defense. Your brain switches accordingly.
3. Today I had five instead of six as hubs took one to a baseball game, and yes, school was easier.
4. Sometimes it depends on which one(s) are missing. Taking a 5yo to the bank and po is much easier than taking the baby.
5. You're a great mama. And y'all really need to try for #4. ;)
I only have 2 kids but the equation fits my life perfectly. I love leaving one at home with my hubby. It's like a vacation to only have one kid with me!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went house-hunting in a different state last month, leaving our two girls with his parents and bringing our 3 mo. old. boy with us. In the morning after our first night gone from the girls, I was marvelling at how easy it was with just the one. I got to actually take my time getting ready for the day, which is unheard of when my 3 are all present! The funny thing is, I remember how when I had my first daughter it felt like I never had the time to shower and get ready. Ha! How I laugh at that now!
ReplyDeleteSO, I defnitely agree with your equations. My best friend who has 5 kids, always told me that it's relative when speaking to difficutly/ease of doing things with the different number of kids. She would definitely agree with that equation!
Awesomely true equation. Someone once told me "no matter how many children you have, there will always be a parent with one more nearby to tell you how much easier you have it."
ReplyDeleteha ha This is so true.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 and time alone with one does seem easier on outings. It's a good reminder to me to try to purposely spend a little time alone with each child-I find we always have sweet conversations when there are no interuptions.
ReplyDelete