Bigger age gap

We have 3 years, 8 mths between Maya and the gremlins, and I reckon it's the perfect age gap - if we were to have another (big If!), I'd want a similar age gap. Maya was old enough to understand what was going on, was really involved with the pregnancy, buying stuff for the babies etc. And she wasn't totally dependent on me, she could entertain herself while I was feeding the babies, and was at preschool so I got a break during the day when the babies were asleep (yeah right, as if they slept!).

We had 20 mths between the gremlins and lil miss - insanity! I would never do it again!

We had 5 years between ours. Really found it hard at first, only because it had been so long since the first one. Some have said to me it would have been better just getting them all out of the way!

I am glad we do have such a big gap now, Janaya was so helpful when Jackson was born, and she still is now. I used to be able to drop Janaya off at school in my Pjs then come home and nap while Jackson did.

I have a 7 year gap between mine .....

I am also thinking of a 4 or 5 year gap and it is amazing how many people tell you that you are silly to wait that long between kids and that you should just get it over with but I'm starting to just take their comments with a grain of salt.
I like the idea that my first will be at school or kindy so I'll get a bit of rest and one on one time with the new baby. I also like that I get to have a smaller child around the house for longer as I am only oging to have two kids and so I want to enjoy all their stages not just have them so close together that I don't have time to enjoy.

All this said I don't have anything against a small gap too.

i have 4.9 year between #1 and #2 - great gap in my opinion #1 was off to school not long after #2 was born - then 8 years between #2 and #3 ok gap but its like starting all over again.. this time #3 will be just over 3 when #4 comes along. and he will be off to afternoon kindy not long after #4 ARRIVES.

And as for fighting #1 and #2 argue heaps. #2 winds #3 up all the time and they are both loud LOL...

No matter what age gap you get in the end you just have to make it work for you ,

I have a 10 year age gap between my brother and I while there's a six year age gap between him and my little sis.

The pluses to the large gap are that older kids are more independent and can be good at helping out with babies. I also earned a lot of money from babysitting his friends.
At the time I often felt a bit taken for granted by having so many extra respoonsibilties that my friends didn't. My brother was more like an only child after my sister and I moved out so he got the benefit of being both a sibling and sole child too.

With the benefit of hindsight, I think having a large age gap makes me a lot more confident around young children. I'm able to see what stuff is just a phase and stuff which is of actual concern. I hope it makes me a better mum.

Thanks girls for your replies, much appreciated

My DP has a 9 year old son whom I am step-mum too & he lives with us & there is 7 years between him & Faith, they get on fantastically which is wonderful, no signs of jealously.

Jess, yip thinking about another bub in the next year or so which is exciting You planning on anymore bubs Jess?





Edited by Shan84

i have 22mnths tween my 2 and i really like it though it was hard at first and at times its still hard but you'll get tht with any age gap really!!

good luck n thts really exciting goodluck!

My son will be 19 years and 9 months old wen his little brother arrives in January :)

Aquarius wrote: i cant help but comment whenever this topic comes up. i have 6 yrs between first two and then 9 yrs the next gap!! love it....would not change a thing. ...it just works well. i dont get the stress mums put themself under by popping out several in a few yrs... i know the theory is to get childbearing out of the way but it just hasnt been a struggle (maybe getting rid of the weight gain at 37 has )

Haha - I hear you on thebody...I doubt I will bounce back at 40yrs quite like I did with first at 20yrs. Howeer I think I'll need to rey for number three BEFORE the next 20yrs is up or I will be 60 with number 3!!!!!

People often think I mea 19 MONTH age gap rather than 19 YEAR age gap.