New Parent's Quick Guide To Raise Multiple Children

As an expat parent with multiple kids, I can tell you right now that raising more than one is difficult, to say the least. With my two kids, it requires continuous learning and adjustment. Most days are amazing but some days are just chaotic. Things are even more complicated since I have an elementary student and a toddler.

New Parent's Quick Guide To Raise Multiple Children

In this article, I will share with you some of the things I have discovered when raising multiple kids in different age groups. These general tips should help you as well regardless if you’re a single parent or a stay-at-home mom or dad.

Stay flexible and don’ expect it to be perfect. 

For many parents, parenting, in general, can feel like survival than full bliss. Kids and babies are unpredictable, so it’s vital to understand that being flexible is vital, especially as your family grows. Understand that plans can change and may go wrong, and you might not see that you become the parent you’ve always wanted to be.

All of these are normal and to be expected. 

Try to embrace the chaos and just know that parenting isn’t meant to be perfect – it’s a challenge, a struggle, and fulfilling all at the same time.

Teach understanding and empathy. 

It’s crucial to teach older kids the value of understanding, patience, and empathy when parenting children in different age groups. Involve them in activities that they don’t find amusing, or try keeping certain things away from the younger ones.

When they show unhappiness in particular situations, explain to them that this is what others did for them during their younger years— that raising a child takes patience and sacrifice from the entire family. Kids are more adaptive and sensitive than we think. Modeling understanding, patience, and empathy for them will instill the same attributes to them in the future.

Set aside one-on-one time. 

It’s also vital to spend quality one-on-one time with each child aside from doing things together as a family. While this is easier said than done, it’s still so important that each child feels loved so they carry enough to give back to others.

Whether you’re going to the movies, baking cookies, or attending a playdate, good one-on-one time will remind them that they’re valuable to you and loved.

Instill core family values

Another important part of any successful parenting is instilling core values to the kids. Every child holds a place in the family. It’s crucial to praise acknowledge their role, whether it’s as the oldest, middle, or youngest child.

Every child possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, and as parents it is our duty to respect their differences while acknowledging values such as kindness, respect, and empathy.

Train yourself about different stages. 

It’s also important to educate yourself about the different stages of babies and kids. Since I have two kids, I have become knowledgeable about my baby’s milestones and development, but I’m still at a loss when they become tweens.

But that’s a journey I’m willing and even excited to make. What currently worked for my kids when they were in preschool is that I enrolled them to an International school with a PYP Campaign. The IB PYP framework focuses on the enrichment and development of every child as an inquirer, both within the school and beyond. I can start to see their maturity and inquisitiveness develop.

Understand that what worked with your kids when they were in preschool might not work when they’re in kindergarten — the same way discipline methods that worked during the elementary years might not work when the kids reach junior high.

It’s crucial to keep yourself updated on the latest research regarding child development or different parenting tools. Being a successful parent means you must continue learning, improving, and finding new ways to succeed.

There you have it! If you’re keen on learning about the PYP CAMPAIGN, you can check out the nearest international school in your area that offers this program. In quick words, PYP is for children aged 5 - 12 (Grade 1-5) for the development of a caring and active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. 

If focuses on inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework while challenging students to think outside the box and take responsibility for their own learning as they continuously explore local and global issues as well as opportunities in real-life contexts.

Lastly, parenting isn’t the destination, but a journey. Take every day as a gift, be flexible, and remember that it won’t be perfect – and they won’t be young and cute forever – cherish the time you have with them, I know I will.