“Do you want kids?” This is one of the primary questions couples ask during the dating process. The answer can literally make or break the relationship. But many couples fail to ask the follow-up question—“How many kids do you want?” This may be a question the couple can answer only after they have a child. Because, despite what you think pre-kids, you really have no idea what it takes to be a parent until you are one. You don’t want to be the couple where one of you is ready to stop and the other is ready for another baby.
However, many couples end up in just that position. And sometimes you both need some insight from other parents who have been there. So, if you find yourself wondering if you are ready for another baby, I want to share with you what I consider to be the best and most challenging parts about having 1, 2, 3, and 4 children.
The Pros and Cons of Having Another Baby
One Child
My favorite part about having one child was our ability to obsess over our first son’s every move. And the fact that we were mutually pulled in the same direction. As a team, we were able to watch our baby learn new things and get mobile. And it was SO sweet. I even remember his grandparents coming over and all of us sitting around watching him crawl or play with a toy FOR HOURS. It’s the only time a baby can literally be the center of your world.
The hardest part of having one child was he did not know how to self-entertain. That meant our son relied on us to be his entertainment. And while that was fun, it also felt like it required a lot of energy from us. Secondly, sometimes I felt the pace of life was slower because there was just him to focus on. It seemed slightly harder to connect with moms when I had just one young baby at home. And I felt like I was learning on the go and questioned myself more as a mom.
Two Children
My favorite part of having two children was the joy I received from seeing a whole new personality in the world. It may sound strange, but having a second child allowed me to appreciate each of my children’s strengths in a new way. I also loved having a playmate for my first son. My baby enjoyed and was naturally entertained by his older brother, so he required less of my one-on-one attention. And I absolutely loved seeing the sibling relationship blossom between them. Lastly, I felt more experienced and comfortable in my skin as a mom.
The hardest part about having two was learning how to split my time and attention between the two. A second baby is a whole new person that equally needs your love. It can be hard learning how to divide yourself well at first. My husband and I would divide and conquer, making it more difficult to focus on the same child at the same time. And as the two grew, we began to have to deal with sibling rivalry and toy sharing.
Three Children
My favorite thing about having three children was that I suddenly felt like we had a big family! I loved the excitement of the variety of personalities and ages. And I loved having one child that was old enough to be independent. With three, I appreciated the simplicity of having a baby that was content to stay in one spot playing. But I also enjoyed having an older son who could get out and participate in organized activities.
The hardest part of having three children was that I officially felt outnumbered. It seemed I never had a free hand. And with three, there is a lack of balance in the family. At times, three can feel like a crowd. The middle child seems to benefit from playing up or down with their siblings. But the oldest and youngest can end up feeling left out. And we experienced that in our family at times.
Four Children
My favorite part of having four is the fast pace and joy that comes with a big family. I think it keeps you busy as a mom and not bored. The kids all have a playmate and built-in friends. The baby is doted on by their older siblings, which is super sweet. Lastly, if you are dealing with a trying toddler, you benefit from seeing how much more mature a second-grader can be. It encourages me to be patient and loving knowing they do grow up.
The hardest part is the fact that it is so non-stop. Even when everyone is on their best behavior, there are so many directions to be pulled in, especially with extra-curricular activities. And even if three children are in a good phase, it’s likely at least one may be in a trying one. And lastly, no matter how great your kids are, they are a presence anywhere they go because there are SO many.
In summary, the right number is different for every couple. We actually never thought four was our number, but I can’t thank God enough for our “oops” baby number four! He has proven we are often capable of much more than we ever knew. And we’re so grateful for it!
