Positive stories 6 year age gap new baby

[QQA]

Hi there, please be kind… I’m having a section very soon with my second child… another boy. My first is nearly 7 (also a boy)… he’s being very positive about it, but to be honest I just feel
devestated. I feel like I’m losing my first. I can’t bring up any feelings of excitement about the new baby, I feel pretty ambivalent at best. Before you say it yes I am on the wait list for women’s psychology. I felt similar before the birth of my son and when he came along I loved him ljke nothing else and we’ve been so so close since, so I’m hoping the same will happen.. I just feel like our relationship is going to be ruined and I’ll have no time for him. Has anybody been through similar that can tell me it’s going to be ok? What was it like in the first few weeks/ months? Thanks

My better 6-years-older-than-me is my favourite sibling. I have several!

I have the same age gap between my two children. It's been nothing but positive for me and my kids really love one another. The oldest is now at university and the two of them have a really nice bond despite the age gap.

On a practical note, I found clubs and activities easier than a lot of friends with children closer in age because mine were doing completely different things. I didn't have to hang around for a second class because the kids didn't fit into the same age group!

Thank you :) did you have any struggles to start with?

My youngest dc (boys) are now 16 and 10. They are great friends... Older ds always has time for his db.... Never had any issues tbh..

Same age game here with 2 ds. It has been very positive really. Eldest ds bonded well with new baby and as was in school we were able to have time together when he got home, he had his own little life going on so no jealousy at all. The age gap seemed largest when they were 9 and 16 but now they are 18 and 24 they are very close. Ds18 found it hard when his DB left home but they chat often. Ds 24 definitely has found it tricky to navigate his little brother growing up!!! He often forgets he is now an adult as well! I would say it is very easy though keep the youngest young for too long as they always seem like the baby compared to the older one. For us it has been very positive and you do not lose anything you gain from seeing the older one becoming a brother.

As they say, babies bring their own love with them, so 🫰.
As for the age gap, I was the 2nd of 4, was nearly 6 when younger sister arrived and TBH was always much closer to her than to Dbro - she was ‘my’ baby - I was coming up to 4 when he arrived.

I think I was probably jealous of him, so do feel bad about that - we get on fine now.

I found being a parent to a newborn so much easier the second time around (despite my youngest being born with health issues that meant a couple of hospital stays for us both). My older child was thrilled to be a big sibling and loved helping with the new baby.

Thank you for this ❤️