Cai

For the mom of three, not sure how old your youngest is but I found it easier when my third was older than a year. That way it’s a bit more- one more bowl of cheerios, one more toothbrush. Less breastfeeding or formula, different foods, and able to sleep through the night. When watching three, I definitely have to think at any given time, who is fine on their own- maybe the toddler on the potty needs you and the other two will be fine. Also, booking a sitter for date nights or daytime where you don’t have to do whatever is the hardest part of your day. For me this is going out after my youngest goes down and avoiding bedtime for the older too occasionally. How do you feel they are suffering? Maybe short special time with the bigger ones? Re-examining with you partner who is doing what to balance it more? Letting the laundry slide another day? Sending positive vibes.

It sounds like you are working really hard. I would consider giving yourself a break on two fronts. First- you don’t need to constantly curate a unique and complicated/messy art or science project for him to play indoors. Get your blocks to mangatiles or trucks and let him play. See what he’ll do on his own, give him space to explore. Second, you don’t need to convince him to go to target or the park. You are in charge, give him smaller things to control like whether to ride his bike or walk, or let him bring one toy with him and he can decide which one. Or which shoes or sweater to wear. I have two kids and my older one is more of an indoor person, would play nicely and not want to go outside, but the younger gets restless. I make them both go to the park and they complain all the way there the have an amazing time and are so much happier on the way home.