The two-child test drive
So this is what it's like to have two children.
Two drinks that will get lost.
Two diapers that will be filled.
Two meals that will go ignored.
Twice the getting-into ability.
Living room aftermath
Family room aftermath
Twice the desire for the same piece of real estate.
This playground isn't big enough for both of us!
Two sleepyheads that need a nap, no matter how they might protest.
Two times the fun!
What would I do without my friend?
If things work out, starting today I'll be watching friend Guinevere's son two times a week while she goes back to school. And I get to take the idea of having a second child for a test run.
What advice do you have on taking care of two or more children? Any good stories to share?
Two drinks that will get lost.
Two diapers that will be filled.
Two meals that will go ignored.
Twice the getting-into ability.
Living room aftermath
Family room aftermath
Twice the desire for the same piece of real estate.
This playground isn't big enough for both of us!
Two sleepyheads that need a nap, no matter how they might protest.
Two times the fun!
What would I do without my friend?
If things work out, starting today I'll be watching friend Guinevere's son two times a week while she goes back to school. And I get to take the idea of having a second child for a test run.
What advice do you have on taking care of two or more children? Any good stories to share?
Labels: friends, motherhood, up for discussion
posted by Damselfly at 1:25 PM
17 Comments:
When they're the same age like that (and over 1.5) it's easier because they entertain each other. At least that was my experience with babysitting. When you get a baby, it's completely different. Have fun!
The pressure is off of you to entertain quite as much as they play together more. But that also means there will be arguments that didn't exist before, either...
I will say that the strangest thing about watching my friend's daughter 3 days a week (about 7 years ago! Where does the time go?) was feeling resentment towards her at times. I KNOW!! She was just a kid! But I felt bad for my son at times, that he had to share before he was ready, that our schedules were changed because of her. I know, without a doubt, that more good came than bad, but that one bit was weird as I loved that little girl...
And if you think that THAT is a mess, you are in for an awakening... Just wait for Legos. And Star Wars figures. Oy...
While I have no advice (yet) I can say honestly that those rooms don't look messy at all! My living room looks like a haz-mat zone after a day of play for ONE child. Good luck with the arrangement. I hope it works out for all of you.
Drink alcohol...lots of it. If needed, add a nip to their sippy cups. Naps for everyone :)
Oh ha- I say just hold on and roll with it!
Steph
What fun for the boys to be able to hang out!
A friend of mine babysat another boy the same age as her boy. She had an egg timer for toys that the boys fought over, that way watch boy had equal time with it. No arguing with the egg timer!
I have 3 kids, 5 and under. I watched my nephew 3 days a week this summer. It was messy, loud, silly, funny, gross, tiring, interesting. But I would do it again, the kids had sooo much fun even though I was losing my mind at some points.
It's true, those rooms are not messy.
I'm sure you will do fine! Have fun.
Have two of everything! Maybe they won't "fight" so much at that age, but jealousy spats are sure to arise over who gets the green cup and who doesn't. (and etc.)
And sometimes it's a good idea to take a Tylenol or two just in case!
Having two the same age is totally different than adding a baby into the mix. I am sure it will be a nice change for Fly to have someone to play with for an extended period of time. I was so happy when Harry got old enough to play with Evan and they started entertaining each other.
As others have said, having two the same age is quite different than a newborn and older sibling. Like anything else you simply go with the flow and get used to it. It is a challenge at first, but at least you know the basics when it comes to the baby. My new fear is two that walk - and if I am alone with them and they go in different directions.
Your play area did not too too bad at all. It barely looks like much went on, quite impressed. My almost 5 year old and 1 year old are able to do much worse ;) Not sure if that is good or bad.
Good luck with babysitting. I think it will be great or your little guy to have a playmate and to learn to share more at home.
Is that the aftermath of you cleaning or what? Sheesh. Don't ever come to my house.
I wish I had some sage advice but I don't remember what it was like to have only one so I don't know what's different.
I have no advice. I'm terrified of two.
I only remember it seeming like more than double the work for some reason, but also the fun too.
And the messes, you have yet to see dear friend. Your rooms look quite organized still.
They tend to entertain themselves, but they also fight more. It was a great opportunity to help my kids learn about sharing and taking turns doing what the other wanted. Sharing is not an easy lesson, but a good one for them.
Family room didn't look that bad! It does take a lot more energy and tighter scheduling, but you figure it out.
I'm too tired to type out multiple child stories.
I have no memory left to recall anything.
That's what it's like. My mind is goo.
You've been to my blog. But it was way worse when the 1st three were all toddlers together.
*sigh* No advice. You're just making me nervous about this little pirate!
Post a Comment
<< Home