Balancing needs

[boysrus]

I ahve three boys: 3, 5 and 7. The three yo is relaly igh needs and intense. I have found that if I put him to bed at the same time every night and dont add any "excitement" after dinner, he is a really nice kid.
But, I also have two other kids. And there are a lot of really great things to do in the evening. This week, there was a sympony in the park, we went and saw a magician last week, tonight we watched a kid's musician, tomorrow night we are going to a potluck. They all tend to be at about 6 or 7. My older kids love doing then*(the little too, actually) It is a really good time for us bc dh works evenings, so that is my sahm time. But, then the little guy doesnt go to bed until 10 or later and is miserable the next day and it is really hard for him to return to his schedule.
So, what would you do?

[mamaduck]

I struggle with things like this a lot. Not the exact same thing -- but it is hard (really hard) to make decisions about who's needs should take priority. Its not fun to choose between children.

I think though, that in your shoes, I would revolve evenings around the little guy. 3 is a tough age anyway, and if you add a less than ideal schedule to all the emotional drama already going on -- you are setting everyone up for a lot of extra stress.

I think I might make it a habit to put the little one to bed, and then do something quiet and fun with the older 2 each evening at home. Board games, craft projects, rent a movie -- that sort of thing.

Maybe do your "field trips" in the afternoons this year. And remember that its only for now -- the little one will be able to handle more flexibility in his routine when he is older.

Is there one or two evenings a week that your DH is home? One of you could stay with the 3 yo. and the other could sneak out with the big kids.

[sfresco]

I have a 7yr old dd and a 3 yr old dd. 3 year old still naps some days and I am often able to juggle the sleep schedule so that we can have some evenings out at local concerts etc. Of course I miss the me time when the girls are in bed late but I also enjoy being out and about on a beautiful summer evening instead of being housebound.

[boysrus]

sadly, he wont nap. Those rare times that he does, he is up till 1 am!!
I am thinking I will limit night time things to once or twice a week, and choose the really important ones