Household of 2 Girls and 1 Boy on the Way!!! HELP!

Updated on July 25, 2011
B.J. asks from Longview, TX
18 answers

Hello Moms,

I currently have 2 girls age 8 and 4. I am expecting a baby boy anyday now and I am getting very nervous. There hasn't been a boy in our family for over 20 years...YIKES!!!! Are they any different from girls as far as raising them? Does your household completely change? Is there a such thing as spoiling him to much since he is a boy? What about potty training? Do I let my girls help change diapers? So many questions has ran through my head....I know I've forgotten a few.

Having a boy will be new to me and my entire family! Any advice, words of wisdom, concerns?!?!

Thanks
Wish me luck!!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.O.

answers from Houston on

Please what ever you do, do not SPOIL him. My son is 22 and he still expects me to give him money, etc. He has never had a job and seems incline not to get one. He went to Job corps after I enrolled him and is dragging his legs on his paper work. He has the job, but must get that done before he starts work. I could kick myself, but it is not too late for you because you have not had him yet and you are married. I divorced when my son was young and tried to make up for the lost of their father. Big mistake, so make him responsible, take out trash, clean, and get a summer job when he is old enough to.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Dallas on

YES! IMO boys are so much easier than girls. My daughter can be more whiny, needy, dramatic, entitled, etc. My son is much easier to please and has more of a variety of interests and hobbies. Now don't get me wrong, my daughter is an absolute blessing and I love her to pieces. Overall though, raising my son has been more of a breeze in comparison to my daughter.

And please know, there's NOTHING like the relationship a mother has with her son. It's a special bond that is so different than with girls. Congratulations!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Oh don't be nervous! I have one of each, and have never put ANY weight on their genders as far as parenting is concerned. I know hyper crazy boys, but I also know hyper crazy girls. Some boys are calm, some girls are calm. You will be FINE because he is your child. It's not like someone is bringing over a hyper boy toddler for your to start raising. You will discipline and raise him just like you raise your daughters. I know boys who have potty trained at 2, and some who have trained at 5. Mine trained at 3.5 in ONE easy day...I just waited until he was ready. He woke up one day and said "I want underwear" and he was done....no accidents, nothing. EASY. Too many parents try to train their children WAY too young, and the kid really needs to be ready and train on THEIR timing. Just my opinion and experience!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.U.

answers from Houston on

Yes, in our case, our boy was SO much different than his big sisters (2 big sisters, and sometimes 3 big sisters - - the oldest lives with her mom). I was used to keeping a nice order around the house. Though girls can get pretty hyper, our boy seems to be more hyper than my oldest (and she's pretty hyper). He gets into anything and everything that the girls never bothered to get into. He knew how to open our front door shortly after turning 1, and that was WITH the door cover on. It's very hard to keep the house clean, because he pulls a lot of things out JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT, and then doesn't want to put them back. He doesn't just pull out toys. He gets into things that he knows are off limits, like stuff in my walk-in closet. He is more of a challenge than my girls ever were. HOWEVER, I still feel blessed to have him. There is nothing like that mother/son bond. He is definitely a Mama's boy, even if he drives Mama crazy (often, I might add).
Every child is different. Just because mine is a "typical" boy, doesn't mean your's will be. Your son may be much more calm than mine, just like girls can be more hyper than a "typical" girl. God will give you the perfect boy: your boy.
I do let my girls help with their little brother. They didn't help change his diapers in the beginning, but I had them help by fetching diapers and other supplies for me. Now that he is potty training, they help him by giving him company in the restroom (reading him his potty book, helping him sit on the potty if I am in the middle of anything). Sometimes they help him get dressed (though he now has begun to dress himself - - sometimes with the pants on backwards, or the shoes on the wrong feet, but he's learning). I think it's great to let the whole family help in some capacity. It helps make the siblings feel included, and not forgotten. I think it makes the bond between them greater.

1 mom found this helpful

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

BOYS ARE SO DIFFERENT!! I wanted all boys... but had 2 girls, then my boy.... and he will be the LAST. Not trying to scare you, I've just had hell of a time with this kid ;) I love him, but he's awful.

Boys potty train later, but they're easier once their ready. No, the entire dynamic of the household won't change, unless you have nothing but glitter, barbies, pink, purple, and princesses everywhere. Add a few toy trucks and some sports stuff, there's your boy.

Boys are easier with diaper changing!.... as long as they don't pee on you... but you don't have to worry about wiping front to back :)

I worry about the girls when we hit the teenage years... I don't worry about my son.

Either way, with a new baby, don't be surprised at how much you've forgotten. I was stone cold confused when I brought my son home... not because he's a boy, I had just forgotten everything! I wish someone would have prepared me and told me about that, the forgetting everything. I was like 'how do I hold him? how do i bathe him?'... it didn't last long, but I felt like a knucklehead ;)

GOOD LUCK, YOU'LL BE FINE! You have 2 built in little helpers already! Congrats and have fun :)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Austin on

Congratulations! Your household will change first because you are bringing in baby #3. Be sure to let your girls help make decisions about the baby so that they feel like they have some control. I think that is the hardest part of a new sibling - that they are left out.

My son was a more quiet boy but most of his friends were loud and very active. It really depends on his personality. Just remember that when he needs to run and yell, wrestle and move, it isn't that he is ADD or something. Some opposite sex kids have similar interests (like sports) but some don't. Don't expect them to play together all the time.

Don't over think this. He will have whatever personality he was given by God and everyone else's experiences will be different than yours. Just enjoy!

Potty training just depends on the personality. His dad and other boys will probably be the biggest influence on him - how, where, etc.

And I agree with Jackie T. Be VERY careful not to rely on the help that your girls can offer. My sister expected her older kids to watch the youngest all the time. One time they got distracted when he was 2 (they were kids) and the neighbor ACROSS THE STREET brought him back home! My sister got upset with her kids!

1 mom found this helpful

S.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have 2 girls 7 and 5, and my son is 21mths. Each child of course is different, but my son so far has been the easiest. I think its because we don't fret or stress about him (not one bit). He just follows his sisters, does his own thing and loves us all the time. So blessed, but I'm sure alot has to do with attitude. (Hey we already had two, a third is nothing) The only issue is no matter what the sex, we stepped back...bottles, diapers, naps, babyfood, it does put a kink in the girls lives alittle so make sure to let them know you understand...good luck and God Bless!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from San Antonio on

My girl is older than my boy. Just like others have said, he is potty-training later; he also is later with language (he's only 3 right now) and other things, but there is much less drama with my boy than with my girl. Even though he's more active, I consider him LESS of a challenge than my daughter. I expected the extra activity, but he's actually a bit less aggressive than his sister. His aggressive actions are curiosity-based; hers are intentional. He's friendlier and has less of an attitude. I must say I was surprised! I had always thought boys were harder, but I was wrong. And I'm enjoying buying boy clothes a lot more than I thought I would! Have fun!!!

As for older kids changing diapers, my daughter has changed my son, but we don't make a regular thing of it. Others have stated that it isn't her responsibility, and they are right. Feel around and see how much they WANT to.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.L.

answers from Houston on

Yes things will change and boys are very different from girls, but I'm sure you will do just fine! The biggest difference is boys tend to be more active and rough and tumble. They are less good at manipulating and usual poor fibbers lol.

I would not recommend allowing your girls to change diapers because boys have a tendency to spray. As soon as the air hits, they pee so you have to have the clean diaper ready and timing is very important.

All kids are different so what we tell you may be completely different from what you experience. Just take it day at a time, you will figure it all out!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.O.

answers from Odessa on

I have two boys and one girl.My boys are teenagers now. Boys are very different from girls! Your household will change. First, boys and diapering. Be sure not to let the cold air hit the lil guy when you take off his diaper to change him or you will get peed on. Boys in general are more rambunctious, like roughhousing, dirt, cars-- boy things. And they are more aggressive. They will get dirty!! But boys as they grow will really help you. Mine throw the trash, cut the yard, do things that require strength, and mine help me reach things too since they're already taller than me!! Lol! Don't spoil him or he will grow up to be lazy. I raised mine so they are capable of taking care of things as soon as they were old enough to do so. Boys take longer to walk and potty train and talk too in my experience. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Victoria on

Congrats! Boys are so much fun. I am not big on letting kids change diapers but not because of gender issues but because its not the responceability of a kid to take care of another kid. Its fine to allow the kids to be aware of different genders while they are little babes or young kids. Potty training was easy for us. We allowed our son to go outside! He loved it. I say this in the past tence because we are now trying to get him to go inside as any grass even in public areas are potties to him. Have fun get excited its a boy not an alien! Don't worry too much about whats it going to be like. As you know kids kind of set the tone on there personalities. Yes it is possible to spoil any kid no matter the gender.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

We have not had a boy in my family, all my life, except for my late Dad.
I have a son now.
He is now 4 almost 5 years old.
It is fabulous!
It is nice for my Husband, too.

YES they are different from girls.
They are more active/physical etc.
BUT... you STILL teach them about feelings, how to express themselves and to KNOW themselves. Just as you would for a girl.
My son, at his age, is SO astute, about his emotions and CAN express it because we allow him to. We don't believe in training a boy to be all pent up and silent and 'tough.'
My son is ALL boy, very athletic, but he is also very aware of himself and his emotions.

And yes, get him his OWN boy things/toys/belongings.
Of course.

It will be great.

My son and Daughter (8) are like 2 peas in a pod. They ADORE each other and are very very close.

Do not give the boy, preferential treatment/spoiling him, just because he is the youngest and the only boy.
Treat him as you would any of your children.

I potty trained my son, per his cues.
He now at his age, stands up to pee at the toilet. He was ACCURATE aim.
You just teach them.... to aim for the hole in the toilet. And to wipe after.
Boys.... OFTEN potty train later.... so keep that in mind.

All the best,
Susan

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Austin on

I have 3 girls and 1 boy...
Twins 9 and b.g 3...

HE IS A BREEZE,...compared to my girls. He Behaves, he goes to bed like abig boy, he is sweet..... It has BEEN so much easier having a boy that a bunch of Moody Hormal bitchy girls@!

ENJOY@@@

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Chicago on

Just be ready for some high energy! I have two boys and a newborn girl. My boys are so much fun, but are very high energy! They will find everything and get into everything. Your baby-proofing will be very different than what you've done in the past. Congrats and good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Austin on

The first important difference is to hold the diaper over him for a minute after you open it up to change it. Cold air hits it and it "goes off" in your face if you don't wait. :) Really. So funny the first few times.
You'll have a blast. They are different and a bit alien if you're used to girls, but you will adjust to him and he to you. I would say your 8 year old can diaper if she wants to.
We chose, after much research, not to circumcise our son. He's almost 24, and has no complaints so far. Why do a "mutilating" surgery and cause pain you don't have to?
Thought processes between boys and girls are different, so you'll have fun watching and answering different questions than you're used to.
The only way your household completely changes is that you'll have 3 kids instead of 2. Aside from the diaper thing above, you won't notice that much difference for awhile aside from normal personality differences between kids. So relax and enjoy your three precious kids. Congratulations!

A.G.

answers from Houston on

ahhh, your'e freaking me out!

I have two girls ages 8 and 2, and i'm currently pregnant, i wont know what i'm having for a few months.I know my husband wants a boy so he can tip the scales a bit,,,,but garshhh, I already know what im doing with the gentler sex!

Boys are scary aren't they!

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

I have a 9 yr old girl and two little boys ages 5 & 2. Before I had kids, I wanted only girls. I couldn't imagine having a boy. Now that I have them, I wouldn't have it any other way. Little boys are so adorable and sweet to their mommies. They tend to be more active although my first son is a mellow fellow, was late to do everything physical and fairly cautious. My baby boy is a wild man. He climbs, jumps off of things, more of a "typical" boy.
Definitely involve your daughters in helping with diapers, baths, whatever they can help with. They will love feeling important and you will need the help.
As for potty-training, it was harder and took longer with my son than my daughter. I trained him to pee sitting down so that if he had to go #2, he'd already be sitting down. He was almost 4 before he was fully trained. I don't relish the thought of training another boy, but it is what it is.
As for spoiling, it's probably inevitable since he's the only boy and the baby. Just try not to let your girls feel less important or slighted. They may end up spoiling him a bit too!
Enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy and that baby boy! Once he arrives, you won't know what you ever did without him.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.O.

answers from Austin on

... when you change his diapers, lean waaaaayyyyy back.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm sure your husband will be happy for the additional testosterone.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions