Age gap between children?

Cherry_Bomb

I've already got a 7 year old and pregnant with number 2. DS will be 8 by the time baby is born

I was just curious if people found it more difficult (or easier!) to have that bigger age gap between kids.

paulineb_2

I dont have kids but my brother is ten years younger than me and apart from the odd sniff when I found out about him, I have to say, he has been the light of my life and still is even though Im 44 and hes 34.

I always thought Id be an only child. And even though hes ten years younger we have always got on well

Probably because hes always been incredibly wise for his years and me less so.

Not really answering your question, but just my view on it.

neverdespairgirl

I'm one of 4, and the age gap between oldest and youngest (me, and my brother) is less than 8 years; I was 7 when he was born.

My OH has one younger brother, almost hte same age as mine, without the two sisters in between!

We have one son, who was 8 two days ago, and intend to have another next year.

I think all age gaps work, really (-:

Lotus-eater

My DD was 6 when my DS was born, it's been great, she is a playmate and older guardian to him. I don't think you have any worries.

I was worried it was too far between them, but the younger just grows up alot faster and gets on better at playschool, school etc.

BitterAndTwisted

My own feeling is that gaps of two years or under is less than ideal. Having a child who is already toilet-trained, becoming moderately independent and old enough to go to nursery means less possibility of jealousy and resentment and more chance of them being interested in being a big brother or sister.

Frith

My brother is more than 8 years younger than me. I am now nearly 38 and he is nearly 30.

We talk or text most days and in fact we've been swimming this evening. He is also a very good uncle to my sons (probably because he has more energy for football than me!)

It was a bit strange when I left home to go to Uni. He was only 9. :-(

tyllwyd

My younger DDs best friend (10 years old) has a little brother who is 8 years younger than her. I thought she'd be jealous but actually she is lovely with him. In some ways its easier because they don't have that competition between them. It does mean that her mum is more tied to toddler-friendly activities, but on the other hand the older one is more independent so she can head off with friends. My two have four years between them, and it might just be their personalities, but they've never played well together - too big a gap to be close friends, but too little of a gap for the older one to feel motherly.

meritaten

If its any help - there is five years between me and my bro - and twelve years between me and sis - and both me and bro adored baby sis! I couldn't stand my bro tho - mainly cos my mother thought I should have him tagging along with me every time I went out to play! 40 odd years later I decided I really liked him!

ciderwithrosie_2

17 months between Son 1 and Son 2, and 3 years 5 months between Son 2 and Son 3. Son 3 took longer to conceive than I'd planned.

The older 2 are very close, Son 1 can't remember a time without his brother but when Son 3 was born he was nearly 5 and asked why we had to have him! Son 3 has always been a bit left out by the other 2, happily he has lots of friends and different interests to the other two.

I'd say the closer together the more they'll have in common -mutual friends, school experiences etc and be company for one another.

paulineb_2

It was a bit strange for me when my wee bro left to go to uni but I was really proud of him, Im a bit of a home bod but he went away to uni unlike me.

Sometimes I think Ive been in the role of being bossy big sister but he loves me and I love him and thats all that matters

I actually have another brother from my dads second marriage who doesnt know I exist because thats the way my dad wants it, I dont see my dad either, his choice

So really, I always thought of my brother as a blessing, we have different dads but I dont call him half brother, hes my brother and thats that

My mum had me at 19 and my brother at 29 and I remember her saying she was under pressure not to have him as she was so old, changed days

I wouldnt have had it any other way to be honest, I never thought of my wee brother as being annoying or irritating, I was just really happy to have him and still am to this day.

BitterAndTwisted

ciderwithrosie wrote: »

I'd say the closer together the more they'll have in common -mutual friends, school experiences etc and be company for one another.

This is true for me. My middle sister and I are as thick as thieves now and have always been, according to my memory. We were born only 15 months apart. My mother's own account of my behaviour when sister was born make me sound like the anti-Christ, however, so I must have taken it quite badly. Went back on the bottle and everything. Oh, and I tried to drown her in the bath as well allegedly.