Would you be happy with 1 child?

moomoomama27

summerday wrote: »

You might find that as she's already 5, the gap would be so large by the time the 2nd came along that they have little in common and not likely to play together anyway. My little sister was 7 years younger than me and just annoyed me, I didn't want to join in with her babyish games and of course she didn't have the capability to join in with what I wanted to do.

I don't find that to be true at all!

I think it really depends on the child personality! My eldest and youngest have just over 7 yrs between them, and they couldn't be any closer! She mothers him, plays his games, and they spend so much time together. When we go out and things are too babyish he gives her the chance to do things that she wouldn't do with her own age group (go down slides, or watch childish cartoony films!), and if we do something a little out of his age group se teaches him how to do it so he can join in!

I've got a gap of 5.5 yrs and 7yrs for the firstborn, but only 19 months between the second and third and I find the age gaps work well in all we do!

Carolyn12

I think one child is plenty, I only want to have one child and I see nothing wrong with it.

balletshoes

OP does your little one do any organised activities outside of school, or are there after-school clubs she can join? That would help her be more of a "joiner" and around her peers more.

Gillyx

I'm pregnant with my first and I can't ever imagine it being my only one. I had an older brother growing up but we were half siblings and didn't see loads of each other, I hated being alone all the time, even though I had loads of friends, there are times when the only people you have are your parents.

My OH is one of 4, and I love being in his house, even now they're all mostly grown up, there's a great atmosphere and all of his siblings are so well mannered and lovely people which I think comes down to having to share and get along when they were growing up. Also not spoilt at all which I love.

My mum always said it's her biggest regret in life, she waited too long after me for the right time, until they had enough money etc, and when they did, it was too late, the age gap would have been far too large.

pimento

We only have one and never had the urge to have another. My husband is an only child and I'm one of two.

Why do you need loads of kids?

Ms_Chocaholic

My only sibling is 6 years older than me and it felt as if I was brought up as an only child, we were never close as children (due to the age gap I think) and that hasn't improved over the years

Rebecca01

moomoomama27 wrote: »

I don't find that to be true at all!

I think it really depends on the child personality! My eldest and youngest have just over 7 yrs between them, and they couldn't be any closer! She mothers him, plays his games, and they spend so much time together. When we go out and things are too babyish he gives her the chance to do things that she wouldn't do with her own age group (go down slides, or watch childish cartoony films!), and if we do something a little out of his age group se teaches him how to do it so he can join in!

I've got a gap of 5.5 yrs and 7yrs for the firstborn, but only 19 months between the second and third and I find the age gaps work well in all we do!

There's 9 years and seven years between my daughter and my partners oldest two daughters and I find it to be the same as you. The older girls were fantastic at Mothering my daughter when she was born and now she is three still look after her and love playing games. We can still have great family days out. Ok yes there are a few disagreements when the older girls want to watch icarly and the three year old wants to watch peppa pig. However they are old enough to explain to her to take turns , and have more patience . Whereas her older cousin who is 4 wanted to watch something different , well it caused a major argument because both were of similar age. However when the older girls get older and become interested in boys I wonder if they will be as close as they are now. I really hope so.

Op don't worry about the age gap , just talk with your OH and see if you can come to a final decision together.

Mupette

I have one child, wanted more, but it was not to be, i was told i couldnt have children so DS was a big surprise.

I'm happy that i have one, i could not afford another and really don't believe i should rely on the state to fund it, (its only these past 2 years that i have needed to live off the state due to disability stopping me work)

I am grateful for what i have

pigpen

Rebecca01 wrote: »

There's 9 years and seven years between my daughter and my partners oldest two daughters and I find it to be the same as you. The older girls were fantastic at Mothering my daughter when she was born and now she is three still look after her and love playing games. We can still have great family days out. Ok yes there are a few disagreements when the older girls want to watch icarly and the three year old wants to watch peppa pig. However they are old enough to explain to her to take turns , and have more patience . Whereas her older cousin who is 4 wanted to watch something different , well it caused a major argument because both were of similar age. However when the older girls get older and become interested in boys I wonder if they will be as close as they are now. I really hope so.

Op don't worry about the age gap , just talk with your OH and see if you can come to a final decision together.

When my 2 sisters were born I was 10 and 14.. when I got interested in boys I used to take them with me when we went out!!!

Plans_all_plans

No I wouldn't personally be happy with just one and we have just started trying again for our second. Our first is due to start school this Sept and I want more time off work (or so my husband says!) Haha!

If there were pressing financial issues then I guess one would have to do, but we are not struggling and I don't feel our family is complete yet. My husband was happy to stick at one - so that we would have more money coming in as I could go back to work full time - but I managed to talk him round.

How long have you been talking about a second? Have you done a pros and cons list?