I have experienced the woes and problems of the number three first-hand. With three children very close in age, I know very well the triangulation and issues that develop with the number three. It is amazing to me that so many of us have three children, but we do! However, if you are coordinating and organizing play groups and activities for children, there are some good reasons why you should make sure there are only 2, or more than 3 children in attendance…
With the number three, someone is inevitably going to be left out. Who is actually the left-out person might change and rotate, but the chances that three children are going to be able to play fairly and maintain a balance of power and pleasantries for any length of time is quite rare. It is human nature to constantly be teaming up and forming alliances, while excluding someone. In a pair—the two individuals are pretty much forced to work things out and figure out how to play together unless they each want to play alone. While the power may shift, it pretty much stays balanced. With a group of 4 or more, the chances that only one person will be left out diminish. While the kids may not be able to play all together in a group of four the entire time, they might split up into two pairs and play. This means that no one is being left out—even if they aren’t all playing peacefully together.
Three is a fascinating number when it comes to human relations—and triangulation is an inevitable part of our human existence. BUT, as a parent just trying to get through an ordinary day and an ordinary party, sleepover, or play group—three is NOT a great number. If at all possible, avoid the trios, and go for twosomes or more than three kids at any one time!
See Also: How Important is it to Keep the Peace?
Creating a Postive Home Environment