Big sibling age gaps

[abadoo]

I'm looking for people's thoughts on having a large (7-8 year) gap between siblings. Through tragic circumstances, this is something that is now under consideration for us. I'm wondering if anyone has this sort of a gap, whatever the reason, if they found the older sibling was happy, annoyed, liked their new sibling etc. And also how it was as they got older eg what is it like when you have a 5 yo and a teenager. And finally whether going back to the beginning again was really hard (eg if you thought you were done and had a lovely late surprise). TIA!

I have 5 girls.. eldest is almost 21, then 13, 12, 8 and 3.. they all get on really well with each other even the teenagers... it can be hard starting over again but you just get used to it, my eldest loved becoming a big sister

There is a big age gap between mine. My eldest has been wonderful, he was excited through my pregnancy and loves and is protective of his little sister. He does get a bit frustrated with her crying - although I think this is normal! Overall, hugely positive and I am very proud and happy.
In terms of going all the way back after 9 years (eldest is 9) well it’s tough, but who thought having a new born was easy? I think you naturally forget just how tough it is when they’re so little. I can’t say its been much harder second time around - just different. Good luck to you X

Mine are 5 and 15.
80% of the time it's great, the rest pure hell with fighting, teasing, annoying each other. Drives me nuts.

But I feel completely privileged to have been able to have my 2nd child, I am loving every moment of him, my older boy was very very challenging and I did not enjoy him half as much.
Also as a much older mum, I'm loving having a wee one to run around after.

I'm seeing both kids growing into lovely people, I feel so much pride when I look at them both, I get cuddles galore from 5 year old, begrudging high 5 slaps from the 15 year old... I'd be bereft with no cuddles from my kids! Best of both worlds

I have a 9yr old and 3 month old and their relationship so far is lovely!!
My oldest was so excited to be a big brother but i was abit apprehensive incase he got jealous because babies take up ALOT of your time.
But i can honestly say he loves his little brother no end and more than i ever thought he would.
He loves feeding him and playing with him and now that the baby smiles and laughs i can see how much he loves his big brother. As soon as he sees him his face lights up and he smiles immediately.
A new born is hard work after having a child thats so independent, but in a good way they can help to pass you nappies clothes etc, my oldest gets himself all sorted for school on a morning so i only have myself and the baby to sort out. I prefer the big age gap if im honest xx

Thanks very much everyone. I'm delighted to have such positive stories. I definitely wouldn't expect it to be easy but it's nice to see big gap still created nice sibling relationships (including all the fighting!).

The age gaps of my children are 5 years and then 7 years (12/7/0). Never had an issue, they absolutely love each other and their new little brother

Hi ages of my kids are 27,24, 15 and 12. As older two are girls was great when younger two boys were born as they were eager to help! They have their usual sibling spats but overall get on fab. It's lovely when we re all together. As for starting over again for me personally I found it easier as I was much more chilled and didn't sweat the small stuff as I did first time !

My oldest is 9 and adores her 6 month old brother! She loves helping out (which is great) with bath time, playtime and feeding! They have a lovely bond x

It’s a hard one you never know what way it will go.

Mine were 8 & 10 when baby (now 1) arrived. 11 year old loved him from before he was born, and now over a year later he still spends a lot of time with him. He complained his nap was too long his afternoon as he wanted to play with him.

However my 9 year has no time for him at all, just considers him a nuisance. While I was pregnant she was excited but reality is different for her.

DH’s youngest sibling is 11 years younger and they never talk and see each other maybe once a year - despite living 10 minutes away.

I've no children yet, currently 14 weeks gone x
Anyway, there is a 10 year age gap between me and my baby brother, he's 26 and still my baby brother ha growing up was wonderful, father Christmas was real for year beyond he should have been. Watching him become a man and father himself has made me so proud of him. We were and still are close, of anything a big age gap did us good x

Me and my sister have a 9 year age gap (me being the youngest). My dp has a 9 year age gap with his little brother. We both love it.

I adored my big sister as a child and she looked after me like a star. She pampered me from the moment I was born as she always wished for a little sister and was apparently so excited for me to be born. She’s 30 and I’m 21 now and having a big age gap means that we never fall out and enjoy going out and spending time together.