Moms of three or more

passar3588

Do you leave your DH alone with all 3 of your kids often? I'm also curious as to how long you leave them for and the ages of your kids.

I have 3 kids - an almost 4 y.o., 2 y.o. and 9 month old and I rarely leave them all alone with my DH. Up until last week, I EBF DS#3 and he wouldn't take a bottle so I really didn't go out much without him. I'm going out of town for two nights in a few weeks and while my Mom and MIL will be helping my DH out, there will be times when he's alone with all 3 of them, which he rarely has done for longer than a couple hours. I think this is a good opportunity for him to see what it's like to be with all 3 of them at once for an extended period, but I'm nervous at the same time that due to his lack of patience, he might just lose it. I know he's not looking forward to it.

Am I wrong in thinking that a man is perfectly capable of handling 3 children 4 and under at the same time? I'm ready to cancel my trip because of the anxiety that I'm having. Thanks in advance.

 

DandelionMom

My DH is often alone with all 3 kids.  I work oot on Saturdays and often stay at my sister's instead of driving home late at night.  DH does just fine with the 3 kids.  He might forget teeth brushing or let them stay up too late.  And the hairstyles he comes up with are pretty funny but they all have fun and are just fine.  

Your H will be just fine.  He probably doesn't even need all that help but I"m sure he'll appreciate it. 

lsufan

Mine are about the same ages as yours, and DH is rarely alone with all three of them.  That's mostly because he works so much, and when he's not working, I want to spend time with him instead of dumping the kids on him and leaving.    It's getting easier now that DS #3 is getting a bit older.  Tonight I took my niece to see a movie, and DH put them all to bed on his own.  When I got home, he said it was no big deal and they were all down by 7:30.  

Carol*Brady

I leave mine (now 1, 3 & 5) w/ DH quite often but I have never done it overnight...but I would.  My DH might loose it a bit but no more than I do on occasion.  Your DH needs to be able to take care of the kids on his own (just in case) & this is good practice.

jettagurl

DH is rarely with them alone.....not more than 2-3 hrs (while I grocery shop or do another errand) on a weekly basis, and just a couple times longer (8 hr stints).  They are 4, 2.5, and 10 mo twins, BTW.  I wouldn't have any concern leaving them overnight if I had the need...he'd do just fine.  He just works his rear off, so there's not much opportunity for him to be here alone with them.  

 

kickypants

I've only left DH alone with all three once so far, but the baby is only 3 months and EBF. I'm going to a concert next weekend, so this will be the second time. I agree with a PP that DH needs to be able to take care of the kids on his own, and I know my DH will be stretched a little thin, but he'll manage. I think that by the time the baby is 9 months (or sooner!), I'd be comfortable going out of town. Your DH will figure it out, and it'll give him confidence. Plus, it sounds like he has a support network in place with your mom and MIL. GL!

#6

My dh doesnt work but is in school full time taking online classes.  So while I work he keeps the kids except on the days he has work study and his one classroom class.  He has them several times each week for several hours alone.  L just turned 5 and K&K just turned 4.  

Last year before he started back to school he watched them full time because he wasnt working or going to school.  

libra31

My kids are 5,2 and 4 months.  My DH isn't alone with the 3 of them often but he can certainly handle it.  Bedtime is the hardest around here right now but that's because they all go down at the same time and it's next to impossible to nurse the 4mo and read/restrain the 2yo for bedtime!  I work occasionally on the weekend and I think I have twice since DS was born so that was 2- 12 hour shifts that DH had the kids for and he did just fine!