The Reality of Navigating Motherhood with 3 Kids and Big Age Gaps

A few summers ago while expecting my third, I sought feedback from parents of three with similar age gaps. I was not contemplating our decision to have a third, but rather trying to imagine what it would be like navigating motherhood with three children at three different stages of life. What is the hardest part about having children so far apart in age? What are the best aspects of an 8 and 5 year gap between three siblings? Is it difficult to raise a newborn with elementary age children? Their answers were all very similar: it can be difficult at times, but the positives outweigh the negatives.

After two and a half years navigating motherhood with three girls eight and five years apart, I am learning there was a lot left unsaid. Perhaps I did not ask the right questions. Or maybe my experience differs from other families of three children far apart in age. Whatever the reason, I want to share my thoughts and feelings about motherhood with 3 kids and big age gaps.

The Reality of Navigating Motherhood with 3 Kids and Big Age Gaps

Navigating motherhood with big age gaps is challenging.

There. I said it.

Many days I feel like Stretch Armstrong — except one child hangs on my leg because the…