Blog 7 of Top 25 Moms of Multiples - 2012
The Cox Quads
by Heather CoxFavorite Blog Posts
How do you split your time so that all your children get enough attention?
This is always one of the main concerns when parents find out they're expecting multiples. First I'll say that quality attention doesn't always have to be one on one time, in my opinion. Some of the best times we have are sitting down and all reading a book, playing a game or singing songs - together as a family. Being a stay at home mom to quadruplets (with one on the way!) and having a husband who isn't home a lot due to work, I'll admit, they do not get a whole lot of one on one time. That being said I strive make the little things count. I'm sure throughout my day to pull one aside, hug them, tell them what they mean to me. I tell them how important they are and point out unique traits, features and talents that only they have. It's very easy for multiple siblings to be put into a group or unit, which is understandable and easier in many ways, but I try to break it up as much as possible. I'd say some of their favorite "attention" time is when they get to go on an errand by themselves with my husband or myself. Not only do they enjoy the obvious, being alone with their parent(s) but having the freedom to walk and not be in a stroller, to talk and no be overheard or interrupted is also a big deal to them. A trip to target to pick up diapers and getting to walk through the aisles absolutely makes their day. Not only is it important to them but I find it just as fun!
Do have any tips for handling sibling rivalry?
At three years old we are just entering that phase and scratching the surface of sibling rivalry. I think for any parent, it will always be a work in progress as kids don't learn over night but over time through many experiences. Fairness, equality and respect for each other are all things that I find myself trying to explain in 3 year old terms - not easy!
Moms of multiples are often experts at multitasking. Have you discovered a shortcut or trick that all moms could use?
Although I have become an expert in multitasking (physically & mentally) I, from day one, have always been a planner. I find it makes things a ton easier if I am prepared in advance. The night before an outing, their bags are packed, clothing laid out...etc. One perk of having 3 year olds is that they are starting to be able to help as well. I use the term "teamwork" in our house on a regular basis hoping that eventually they learn that together, we can all get things done faster. We just recently started chore charts and each kid is responsible for 3 chores a day. At the end of their chore time we stand back, look at their clean(er) house and the things they did and give themselves high fives for they work they did. Multitasking will always be one of a mother's best traits, but I think we should all strive to lighten our load whenever we can!
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