Looking after kids can be a challenge. But when you’ve got triplets and an older child, it can require superhuman levels of parenting.
Meet Katie, mum of 19-month-old triplets Tommy, Joshua, Eddie and their six -year-old brother Jacob.
Katie went from being a mum of one to a mum of four last year and has had plenty on her plate since then. So, what does a day look like when you have triplets and an older child?
Wakeup: 7.30am
The triplets wake up around half seven.
My partner Rob and I bring them into our bedroom, change their nappies and give them a warm bottle of milk. Usually, all the chatting and noise will also wake up our eldest Jacob, so he’ll be up around the same time.
We ferry them downstairs, then Rob or I put some coffee on. I’ll make porridge, and while that’s cooling, they’ll be playing in their playpen quite happily.
Breakfast: 8.30am
I put them in high chairs ready for breakfast.
We’ve tried all sorts of cutlery for the triplets, and I’ve found that they either snatch it off each other or throw it on the floor. I’ve also tried those sticky plates, which they seem to see as a challenge. I don’t worry about that anymore; I tell myself there’s no point stressing over the little things.
They’re not going to get to the age of five and not know how to use a knife and fork!
I wipe down their faces and put them down to play for a bit more, while I do a bit of cleaning. They’re very good at entertaining themselves, and they love playing together.
Although they have just started stealing things from each other, which I’m not too happy about!
Snack/Nap: 11am
Around 11am I’ll make them a snack: jam on toast, some cut-up fruit, or a biscuit with some milk. I wipe down hands and faces, change nappies again and put them in their sleeping bags.
Ideally, they’ll be in bed by 11.45 and asleep by midday.
I try to fit in a workout before Rob gets in for lunch. He comes home around 1, and we’ll eat together.
Lunch: 2pm
I wake them up at 2 o’clock. Sometimes they could probably sleep longer, but I feel that 2 hours is probably enough for them.
In the past, I’ve made the mistake of bringing them down before lunch is ready, but now I get lunch cooked and cooling before they’re up.
I’m not saying this is how everyone should do things, it’s just that for me being organised at home has really helped.
Having triplets is definitely not a typical family situation!
Day trip: 3pm
If the weather’s good, I try to take them out of the house. But, with so many of them, it can be a challenge.
If it’s nice out, we might go to the park together and if Jacob’s home, he plays with the triplets on the floor. He’s really good with the boys, and they have a lot of fun together.
I took them to a play centre for the first time recently. I made sure their bag was packed the night before.
We had breakfast and got out of the house nice and early. They were all loving it and having a great time, but then I realised that we needed to do a nappy change.
I suddenly thought: how am I going to leave three kids on their own while I change a nappy?
Luckily there was a lovely mum at the play centre who offered to watch them for me.
Dinner: 5.30pm
Rob will come home from work around 5. We give them some tea.
It could be anything really, a bit of peanut butter on toast, yoghurt or some fruit to fill their tummies before bed.
We’ll start getting ready for bed then. I don’t do a daily bath as it’s a mission, and if I do, I use the sink as it’s easier.
I need to find systems that work for me as it’s not a typical family setting.
Bedtime: 6.15pm
Rob will spend some time with the boys before bed. We put them in PJs, brush their teeth, and sit them on the sofa. Jacob loves to show them his books. We get them in their sleeping bags, take them upstairs, put on a lullaby and a nightlight and come downstairs.
Usually, it takes them around 15 minutes to fall asleep. Sometimes they jump in each other’s cots, but most of the time they’re well-behaved.
Jacob goes to bed at half seven, and a bit later on the weekends.
I usually get on with tidying up, wiping down highchairs and running a vacuum around, while Rob and Jacob get a bit of time together and play with train tracks or Lego.
Jacob usually has a drink of milk and a biscuit, and then he’s off to bed.
Katie's tips and tricks for other parents
1. Ask for support when you’re out of the house
I went to a garden party with the boys got to a point where I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I was chasing one of the boys around and I just turned to everyone and said: “If anyone could just help out by grabbing a baby, that would be amazing.” As soon as I said it, everyone rallied around to help.
Everyone told me to take a minute to myself. I even got to have a drink and a sit-down. My advice to other parents (and to myself) is to ask people for help when you need it.
2. Don’t compare yourself to other parents
I sometimes feel a lot of pressure when I see all these Instagram mums. It’s so easy to fall into a black hole of self-doubt. I have days where my cheeks are wet with tears, and I’m wondering if I’ve done enough for the boys today.
Whenever I tell Rob, he always says: “Katie, you’re like Superwoman. Even when you think your best isn’t good enough, your best is better than you could ever imagine.”
I just try to remember that even when I have difficult days, I am doing my best and the boys feel loved.
3. Date nights
Rob and I try to make time for date night. We’ll put the kids to bed, and then I’ll put some makeup on and do my hair.
We’ll share some wine and put a film on.
Our relationship is like an umbrella that protects our family. It’s so important to make time for the people around you.
