When I was expecting my third child, I often heard people caution me about having three kids, claiming there would “always be one left out.” Some even suggested I should have a fourth to balance things out. Thankfully, that didn’t happen, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well my three children get along, with their squabbles limited to just a handful of disagreements each year.
“Do they always hang out like that?” asked a friend while we watched my two younger kids enjoy their time at the local fair. “Absolutely,” I replied. “They’ve been nearly inseparable since Noah arrived.” Earlier that day, one of Noah’s friends came over to play before the event. I could smell the perfume drifting down the stairs and heard laughter between my son and daughter. Initially, I worried that Noah might feel jealous of his sister making friends with his buddy, but I was completely mistaken. The three of them were having a blast upstairs, as if sharing friends was the most natural thing in the world.
As I observed them walking around the fairgrounds, little backpacks on their backs and phones in hand, I realized I couldn’t tell whose friends belonged to whom — they were all just a happy cluster, hopping from ride to ride. What struck me most was the mutual respect and affection between my kids, even in front of their peers.
With three teenagers close in age — 17, 16, and 14 — I can confidently say they rarely argue. I’m not boasting; my ex-husband and I have simply been fortunate. My own childhood was filled with sibling rivalry, from fighting over clothes to who took the longest in the bathroom. While I know that sibling conflicts are a normal part of growing up, I can’t quite explain why my kids seem to have avoided this.
Leaving them alone at home doesn’t fill me with anxiety. They seamlessly share their friends without issue. Perhaps it’s because they’ve always had to share our attention due to their close ages, or maybe they just happen to be naturally easygoing. Regardless, I’m grateful for it.
Recently, my oldest son had his girlfriend over, and she ended up spending time with his siblings without him batting an eye. He willingly drives them around, and when his sister borrows his clothes without asking, he simply reminds her to return them, and that’s that. This dynamic brings me immense joy; it makes my life easier and fills me with warmth to see how much they enjoy each other’s company.
While no family is perfect, I find myself reflecting on the incredible gift it is to have three children who genuinely like being around one another. I’ve heard from so many moms how distressing it can be to witness sibling squabbles, and I understand why. If there were constant fighting and tension, it would be heartbreaking.
The best part about their strong bond is the peace of mind it gives me. I know that as they grow into adults, they will have each other to rely on and trust. I cherish the close relationship I have with my own siblings, despite the rivalries we had growing up, and it’s comforting to know they’ll always be there for one another. Life may not always be perfect at home, but I recognize that having three kids who are close and enjoy each other’s company is a priceless blessing.
If you’re interested in exploring more about family dynamics and sibling relationships, you might find this post on home insemination engaging. Additionally, for those looking into family planning, Make a Mom offers insightful resources. For pregnancy-related information, the CDC is an excellent resource to check out.
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