Tips for multiple kids?

[sfsfsfgiants]

Before I asked this, I went through and read the parenting guide on the site, which is very helpful. One thing it didn't cover, though, was how to manage time for when you have multiple kids.

Right now, I have a female toddler and a male baby. As both parents have the Surrounded by Family lifetime wish, I will likely have a couple of more kids.

I was hoping that somebody had tips on how to keep the kids happy while still allowing some "fun time" for the parents.

Right now, I have the kids sleeping in separate rooms, as I don't want one crying baby waking up the other.

Anything else I should try?

Sorry if this has been asked before.

[Bihlbo]

As in life, it really helps to have a stay-at-home mother/nanny in the house.

Develop a routine. Mom gives Daddy a kiss before he gets off to work, then spends some time teaching the toddler. Take a quick break to snuggle-feed-crib the baby and tickle-feed the toddler, then use the bathroom. Wash those hands, brush those teeth, shower, change the diapers. Double-check that Daddy's dinner is hot and waiting for him, then get back to teaching Junior till Daddy comes home.

Usually this is as much work as Daddy puts in for a day's pay. This is fairly accurate to reality, which is why we should always respect the professional wife and mother as being the hard-working heroine, living up to her full potential in every way, as she is.

When Daddy gets home, the fire should be lit, the food should be on the table, and the younguns should have every need met so they can be ignored for a good 3 hours. Not a bad time for a nap.

EA decided that there's no such thing as a "quicky" when it comes to woohoo, which is why you need 3 hours after Daddy gets home. Want to up that fun meter and kill stress instantly? Woohoo!! So make sure Momma's wearing something sexy for dinner - you know, for realism.

Now you have the rest of the evening to not follow a routine. Maybe Daddy helps take care of the kids, maybe you all go to the park together, maybe you invite friends over. Whatever. 2 of you are home, he's not stressed out any more from "working hard", so things get a little easier. Just make sure that all the needs are met for the youngest ones before bedtime, and plan for Mom to get up 3-4 hours into the night. Do NOT wait for the crying or others might wake up, and you sure don't want Daddy going to work tired.

[Pam]

I've written a couple of articles for Carl's Guide that will help you (in addition to the parenting guide section). 

Surrounded by Family Lifetime Wish walkthrough:  http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/lifetimewishes/surroundedbyfamily.php

Baby Boomer Challenge walkthrough:  http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/challenges/babyboomer.php

My Sims raised six kids in the Surrounded by Family, and 12 kids in the Baby Boomer. 

[samoht04]

I found that if you have got money to spend, get the working parent to call a babysitter, just before work, then let the other parent relax or teach skills to the toddler.

[purenergy]

I usually hire in a live in nanny. I give them neat, natural cook, green thumb(or bookworm), friendly(or good), and family oriented. This way they love interacting with the kids and they help cook, clean, and garden. Good help is easy to find in Sunset Valley