Sometimes the phrase “less is more” doesn’t always apply. I’ve recently been hit by the baby bug.. yes, already, but unfortunately we are done having children. Everyone keeps reminding me “You’ve got your boy and girl! Less is more!” Well folks, I’m here to tell you it’s not always! So with that said, when is the right time to add in another kid?? Is there a right time??
There are many choices and things to consider when you and your partner are considering another child. Financial things, jobs, space! One of the best pieces of mom advice I’ve ever gotten was “there is never a ‘perfect’ time to have a child.. just some times are better than others”. So for those of you considering making the leap, think about the things that might be holding you back.
Jobs & financial stresses: If taking maternity leave is a problem think about your options about saving some money to try to cover your time off. If you already have a daycare provider set up, talk to them about possibly taking your child a little earlier so you can return to work sooner. Although those might not be your first choices, if your heart is aching for a baby and your job or a financial blocker is in the way there are always was around it. If finances are your main concern, start a savings account now. Give yourself a money goal. Figure out how much you’d need to save and a time frame for you to achieve it. Also keep in mind, on average it takes 9 months to cook a babe 😉 so that is valuable saving time!
Space: My husband and I ran into this one most recently. Although we had a 3 bedroom house, it was crammed into 1000 sqft. Adding a second child made things insanely tight. So, we did some number crunching and found a bigger place that is actually saving us some money in the mean time! So if moving is an option, keep that in mind.
Fear Factor: I do in home daycare, so the fear of going from one to two was nothing for me! I was used to having to juggle kids at the store and have little feet running the house AT ALL TIMES.. but for some people the thought of going from one to two, or two to three is nauseating. So to that I say this: BREATHE. You’re going to survive it. There will likely be rough moments, it might take an extra half hour to get out of the house, but you’re going to survive. Although, when they are both crying it might be a little nerve wracking, you’re going to make it!
Without question, the laundry will increase, the messes will double and don’t even get me started on the toys. However, when I look back at all those things and the extra loads of laundry that I need to do or the pink and blue of every single toy we have, I wouldn’t change anything about it!
For me adding another was no biggy, but for others there are a lot to consider. If you’re really having a hard time deciding when the right time is, write it out. Make lists, pros and cons, whatever it takes to put it in a clear frame of mind!
