Is Having 3 Kids Really Stressful? The Truth You Need to Hear

Juggling Three Kids: A Constant Balancing Act

Honestly, when I first found out I was going to have a third kid, I was like, “Well, this is gonna be a lot, isn’t it?” And you know what? It’s true. It’s a lot. Having three kids, no matter how prepared you think you are, can feel like you're constantly running a marathon, but without ever getting to sit down. That being said, it’s not just stress—it’s a whole whirlwind of emotions, from exhaustion to joy to “What am I even doing?!” I’m sure many parents can relate.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Three Kids

Stress, But in a Good Way?

When people ask me, “Is it stressful having three kids?” my immediate answer is: “Yes, but...” And there’s always that “but.” Sure, the logistics of getting everyone ready for school, managing extracurricular activities, and juggling family time can feel like a full-time job. I remember one morning—my youngest spilled cereal all over the kitchen floor, the middle one couldn’t find his shoes, and my oldest was having a meltdown about homework. I nearly pulled my hair out, but at the same time, there was this weird sense of accomplishment when I finally got them all out the door. Stress? Definitely. But it’s also oddly rewarding.

I know, I know—it sounds a little crazy, but hear me out. The stress comes from all the little moments that build up, but the rewards come from seeing those little victories, like when they all hug you goodnight or when you manage to pull off an impromptu family movie night. It’s a lot of work, but it’s your work.

Is it Really That Much More Stressful?

Okay, so having a third kid adds stress—but how much more, really? I asked my friend Sarah this the other day. She’s got three kids, and I was curious if she had any “life hacks” that made things smoother. She admitted that the jump from two to three was definitely harder. With three, you can't just divide and conquer anymore. But she also said, “You figure it out. You just do.” And honestly, that’s probably the most accurate thing anyone has said about parenthood. The stress? It becomes a part of your routine, and weirdly, you start to get used to it.

The Logistics of Managing Three Kids

Chaos at Home: Is There a Way to Organize It?

So let’s talk about the real challenge—managing the day-to-day chaos. It feels like there’s always something that needs your attention, whether it’s helping with homework, making sure everyone has clean socks, or feeding the little ones for the millionth time. Honestly, I often feel like a walking to-do list.

I tried every organizational trick in the book. I've used planners, digital reminders, and color-coded charts, but the truth is, the more you try to control, the more you realize there’s no controlling it. Things will fall apart—no matter how many lists you have. And you know what? It’s okay.

Time for Yourself? Ha!

Now let’s talk about self-care—or the lack of it. If you’re thinking of having three kids and wondering if you'll ever have time for yourself again, well, let me be honest: probably not. There’s just no time to pamper yourself when you’re packing lunches, folding laundry, or dealing with the constant barrage of “I’m hungry” and “I’m bored.”

But here’s the thing—over time, you start finding ways to steal little moments for yourself. Maybe it’s five minutes with a cup of coffee in peace (if you’re lucky) or catching up on your favorite show once the kids are finally asleep. It’s those small moments that keep you sane, even if they’re fleeting.

Coping with the Stress: Tips That Actually Work

Embrace the Chaos (Sort Of)

One thing I’ve learned is that you have to embrace the chaos. Trying to have everything perfect all the time is a losing battle. Instead, I’ve learned to laugh at the mess. When my kids start fighting over who gets the last cookie, I just roll my eyes, laugh, and keep moving. It’s stressful, sure, but it’s also normal.

Another thing I do is ask for help when I need it. There’s no shame in asking for a break or for a little extra support from family or friends. I used to think that I had to do it all myself, but I’ve realized that it takes a village.

Don’t Forget to Celebrate the Wins

Finally, when things get overwhelming, it’s easy to forget to celebrate the small victories. Maybe your toddler finally learned how to tie their shoes, or your oldest managed to keep their room clean for a whole day. These little wins are huge, and they’ll remind you why it’s all worth it.

Conclusion: Stress, Yes—But So Much Joy Too

So, is it stressful having three kids? Yes. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. There are days when you’ll want to pull your hair out, but then there are moments—sweet moments—that make it all worthwhile. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a ride full of love, laughter, and a lot of learning along the way.

At the end of the day, if you’re wondering whether the stress is worth it, I’ll leave you with this: It’s not the absence of stress that makes parenthood fulfilling, but how you embrace it and keep going, day after day.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.