[lovebeingamum76]

Would love to hear stories from those that have big gaps between kids......

My first 2 are 3 years apart but this time (I am only 5 weeks preg) I will have 6.5 years between my dauter and this bub.My son will be 9.5 years...

I am excited to soon be sharing this pregnancy with them and them and I know they will be great big brother and sister.It was nice to have 3 years with my son before DD was born and its been nice to have the time with DD while DS was at school....this time round ill be able to have loads of one on one time.
did your older kids get jealous about bub? Any tips or suggestions?

TIA

[Shhhh]

My DS1 was 5 when DD was born, 7 when DS2 born and will be 11yrs old when twins are born. They all have a strong bond with each other. Have their moments of cause. No one was jealous.

Biggest issue that I have is DS1 is in a very different stage to DS2 (he now 4yrs old and at preschool). Trying to find special activities that they both enjoy

[Rolex]

Interested in replies as well

I'm due in July with #4, and my #3 turns 8 in August. My older kids will be 12, 10 and 8.

Blows me away to think that by the time this baby is starting school, I'll have 2 in high school, and one already finished high school But they are all very much looking forward to helping with the baby (except nappies, they've all stated they're not doing nappies! Lol).

The big age gap does worry me a bit, only because I had my first 3 all close together, and now having a huge gap. But we did start TTC for this one 6 years ago, so I take what I'm given

This post has been edited by Rolex: 22/02/2013, 12:30 PM

[RealityBites]

I have a 10yo and an almost 5yo, and due in May. I only do babies/toddlers one at a time!

[cameo]

I am not pregnant - came to this from recent topics - but my DS was 5.5 when his sister was born. She is now 4 and he is 10.

It has been great really, DS has a much bigger understanding and is able to cope with the dramas of a newborn really well. He is great with her (most of the time) and is able to entertain her or make her laugh if she is upset etc etc.

The only downsides I have are that they will only share one year of primary together (Grade 6 and Prep next year), their interests are different being such a big gap and finding activities that they can both enjoy is a bit trickier.

If it wasn't for the schooling, the gap would be only positive for me. It's so lovely and easier on me!!

[Lausii]

My eldest child was 16 and a half when I had dd who is now 3. The others are now 13, 12 and 10. Two in High School, one Primary and my eldest has moved out.

No jealousy issues, she is adored by all of them. They look for her when they get home from school and are very protective of her.

The only issue is having someone her age to play with. She does go to daycare two days a week, so that helps. And being the only child at school with no siblings there to look out for her. But I guess many only children manage so she will be fine.

This stage of my life is so much easier then when I had 3 under 4 plus a moody ten year old. I often look back at that time and wonder how I managed!

[Jjbeanz]

I had 3 yrs then 5 yrs then 3 yrs between my 4 ( 11 yrs between oldest and youngest ) I enjoy it as I've had more time with each baby/toddler untill the next baby came along and only 1 in nappies. They are so much more independent from 3 yrs onwards so I found it easier to cope with a newborn plus the older kids are a great help

The hardest has been that they are at different stages with school. Last yr I had 1 at high school, 1 at primary school, 1 at preschool and 1 at daycare and that was a pain. Luckily my 3 oldest all love the same sport otherwise that would be difficult

ETA there wasn't much jealousy when bub came along...they all adore her

This post has been edited by Jjbeanz: 22/02/2013, 01:04 PM

[~Supernova~]

There is just over 7 years between DD and DS. They absolutely adore each other. She is so great with him, carries him around, plays barbies with him. I LOVE this age gap. I'm not the kind of person who could handle a close age gap and several little kids, I shudder at the thought.

[DarylDixonismyhe...]

I have a 15 year old, 13 year old, 10 year old and an 18 month old.

Our older girls are besotted with our baby girl ( not so much a baby anymore ), i think it has been a lot easier than having 4 close together.

[Maple Leaf]

I have 4.5 years between my girls. They are like oil and water. But that is due to their personalities more so than the age gap.

I think whether siblings get along or not is 90% based on personality, not necessarily their ages!
*in my experience*.