Today my husband and I were granted Temporary Guardianship of our step-niece. We're officially a family of five - again. Yes, we've been the Relative Inn over the last 4 years and have found ourselves taking people in from time to time, yet none of those situations have required us to pursue guardianship of a minor. I don't want to give too many details because nothing is "final" yet. There are still a few steps in this process and I'm not to sure how much is safe sharing. Maybe when she's all ours I'll feel different? It'll be our story. You know?
Anywho, as many of you can imagine, the sudden switch from 2 kids to 3 kids isn't exactly an easy adjustment. Especially when the newest kid on the block is 6 years old and right in the middle of the two we already have! I've heard it said... going from 2 to 3 kids is hard, but after that, it's just one more. And ain't that the truth! Don't misunderstand, under the circumstances, this transition has been gloriously smooth. Yet, the type A in me wants to
prepare
organize
restructure.
I know that most of that will happen as we learn to accommodate a 3rd child, but I'd still like to have some idea of what I should do.
That's where you come in. Maybe you're a mom or dad of 3 or more kids. How do you schedule everything? What's a priority? What responsibilities do you give to the oldest child? Middle child? Youngest? If they share a room, how do you organize their toys, clothes, crafts, homework, lunches, chores? Or maybe you came from a big family. How did your parents manage meal times? What about extra-curricular activities? Discipline?
C'mon - lay it on me. Give me your best ideas. In fact, post something on your blog and leave me the link. Show me pictures. Sometimes seeing is believing!The 3 comments I love the most win a prize. The Grand Prize gets a $25 gift card to a restaurant and the 2 runner-up's will receive appetizer cards to that same restaurant. My friends, if you know me, you already know the restaurant - but don't spoil it for the others. And don't not play along just because you know you can get free food if only you ask!
Entry date: Thursday, February 12
Okay, on your mark, get set, GO!
So, in all honesty, I was already starting my reply before I read the last paragraph about PRIZES!! Yippeee! I'm going to compile all my random thoughts on the subject, make some charts and graphs, maybe throw in some statistics... and then I'll post them in all their un-gloriousness! lol =0)
ReplyDeletehttp://atkinsonlifeingeneral.blogspot.com/2009/02/growing-up-in-family-of-six.html
ReplyDeleteJust like we were never really ready for the first, we can never be ready for the 3rd and beyond.
ReplyDeleteI eagerly await the ideas and suggestions, as we'll be in the same boat soon (Lord willing). Especially since our new addition (and yours) will be much larger than the typical 21-inch, 7-pounder that just lays there, sleeps, and poops for the first several months.
Don't fret!! That's number one. You'll be fine! That's number 2. Ok I try to have as much done ahead of time. Like Sunday night all the clothes for the week get put in one of these weekly closet hangers. All sandwiches for lunches for the whole week are made and in the fridge in ziplocks. All laundry gets done one day a week and each child, even the 3 year old, is responsible to take the basket to their room and put them away. (I help Daley with the second part)To organize papers. I have a keepsake box for each with their name and the year on it. Art or report cards whatever goes in the box to be scrapbooked our whatever later.Oh and keep your friends close. Your gonna need them on "those days" to remind you that it's gonna be alright! Cause life with 3 is crazy. However, once I did it I wouldn't have it any other way! :)Oh and enjoy ever single minute.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm not a mom of 3...yet... but I come from a family of 3. My mom always said " You feed one, you feed 2 and then 3..."
ReplyDeleteI always remember our chores being assigned by age and responsiblity and we were always well trained in what to do before we were set off on our own. We always had a chore chart. When we were 7 or so, the basics had to be taken care of be before we were allowed to do anything (make bed, brush teeth, get dressed, and put dirty clothes away.) I came from a military family. Oh, and the number one rule was "HELP each other out." Always. Period. We even did this all the way until each of us moved out.
I'm reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families right now. It's actually pretty good, it may help you guys get "restructured" as a family of five.
I'm sure you will figure it all out. I hope your kids are truly adjusting well. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.
Hi Lisa!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I posted an entry about kids sharing a room on my blog. Check it out: http://christywong.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/sharing-a-room/
Hope it gives you some ideas!
Christy