How different is having 4 kids vs 3? Biggest change? Does it really get easier?

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's easier when they're little because you gain a playmate.

However, I have 3 and it's crazy now that they're in elementary and middle school. I feel like we're running in 3 different directions at all times with school projects, activities, lessons, etc.
I would be insane if I had a 4th. I'm really maxed out with 3 and never felt this way when they were little.

[Anonymous]

I think perhaps the genders matter as well. My SIL has 4 but only one is a girl, so the two-and-two idea never worked because her brothers are super rough and she isn't so they don't play together.

[Anonymous]

I've got 4. I don't think it's easier than 3, but also not harder.

It is, however, more expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s because of the balance with three someone is left out of playing together much of the time.

Ex: Things are made in pairs as well at many playgrounds. So two hop on the swings when they are done your other two hop on. With three kne is left standing. Arcades the seared games are built for two. Etc...

big deal
unless they are all very close together in age it's unlikely all 3 would
be interested

[Anonymous]

I only have 2. But come on, there's no way it gets easier the more kids you have. More expensive, more exhausting, more crowded, louder, more chaotic, greater potential for difficulty in basically all aspects of life...greater likelihood that at least one kid will have special needs or health issues or behavioral issues or something. Although I think probably a lot of parents who have lots of kids have a personality that's more laid back and easy going so they'll probably tell you it's not that hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I only have 2. But come on, there's no way it gets easier the more kids you have. More expensive, more exhausting, more crowded, louder, more chaotic, greater potential for difficulty in basically all aspects of life...greater likelihood that at least one kid will have special needs or health issues or behavioral issues or something. Although I think probably a lot of parents who have lots of kids have a personality that's more laid back and easy going so they'll probably tell you it's not that hard.

+1 You may get more joy out of having 4 kids, but I can't imagine anyone saying it's easier at the young ages.