Just when you think you’ve got the hang of one kid, the question, thoughts, and unwanted suggestions of having another start to pop up! When I was pregnant with my second child, everyone did their best to prepare me for life with two. Just as you might suspect no one can really prepare you for the “new normal” that you will experience in your life. No one was able to prepare me for the complete 180 adding 1 baby would be like. And the same can be said for the second. But what I have noticed, now since having two, it’s not as hard as I thought it was going to be! Some of the major takeaways though, which are generally true of having two kids, are simple. It’s hard at first, then it’s complicated and then it’s fun and easy(ish).
If you’ve got a second one on the way or are thinking about expanding your family unit by 1, 2 or 3 more members then here are some reasons why having more kids actually becomes easier and fun(ish)…see above…
1. Siblings entertain each other!
My two kids are 3 years apart, and when the youngest was born it felt like they were never going to engage. But fast forward one year to a 1-year-old and four-year-old, they are actually starting to play together. The 4-year-old is an excellent helper/entertainer/toy finder. She loves helping me out and playing with her little sister. I can only expect that this is going to last (at least until they are 13 and 16. Fingers crossed, right?)
2. Sometimes a sibling is comforting.
In rare instances, mom and dad just don’t cut it. Cue brother or sister. Siblings can make each other feel better and have a shared comradery that mom and dad don’t necessarily share. Not only do they share a physical connection, they will naturally go through life together, it’s importnat to he
3. More hands are better.
I’m sure you’ve heard this a lot, but the older sibling can be so helpful in times of need. From basic entertainment, while dinner is cooking to slipping under the crip to find the lost pacis, the first child is an all-star helper. Not only does my daughter jump to attention when I ask for help, she gets joy out of helping mommy raise her little sister. It’s pretty darn cute.
4. They seem to always know where the other one’s stuff is.
This is the strangest phenomenon. My 4-year-old cannot find anything of her own to save her life. But when it comes to the little one’s jackets, extra snacks, the new pack of wipes I left in the car, you name it, she knows where it is. And this comes in really handy because apparently, this forgetfulness runs in the family.
5. They’re better eaters.
Getting the first kid on board with fruits and veggies makes the second one easier. When big sister is eating something, you can bet that little sister wants the exact same thing. All I can say is get your first on board with fruits and veggies early on!