To feel guilty about not having another child at the moment

[SWtobe]

I currently have a dc who is 3 years old. I wanted to have another child so that the age gap wasn't too far apart. Basically, I have just got into a 3 year course at University and so now I have to hold off having a child until I graduate when I will be 31 and dc will be 6/7.

I know it's the right thing to do for our family and childcare reasons but I feel so guilty about the age gap and I'm so broody. I keep convincing myself that I need to have all my children before I turn 30 and I don't know why I think like that.

Please tell me not to worry

Mine are 26, 24, 16, 11, 6 it's worked really well, childcare was one of the many reasons!
A good age gap gives you time to enjoy each child more i think and it's a bit more civilised than having say three kids under 5 all trashing the house and causing mayhem.
It

My DH and I are in the same situation. We have a wonderful DD who has just turned 3 and we were hoping to have another this year/next year.

Due to family circumstances we are having to hold off so will likely not have another until our DD is 6.

This will allow us to ensure the new child gets the same as our daughter does - holidays, animals (pony at the moment) etc whereas if we were to have a baby sooner we wouldn't be in the financial position to do it.

Both of our families are putting slight pressure on us to have another child quickly but we know that we are doing the best thing for our family.

Fingers crossed the next few years go by quickly!

Don't ever feel guilty for making the right decision for your family!

You have to remember OP, that life doesn't always go to plan.

DS was 6 once I graduated from University, having taken a four year degree. Though I was 22 when I graduated. However, my circumstances were very different.

You can still get pregnant whilst studying...though this may further delay your progression and you may find it difficult to juggle being pregnant, whilst looking after your family and studying.

All in all, I say do it. Later down the line, once you have the number of kids you would like. You may look back and think "Gosh... I wish I took that chance to do something for myself".

Childcare will cripple us if I have another which is why I have to hold off, annoyingly. But at the same time once in qualified and earning I will be able to provide well for another baby. I'm so broody though so it's tough really.

Thanks for the replies