7 year age gap between dc1 and dc2.. how hard will it be?

[whatwotwot]

Just that

For numerous reasons we've taken a long time to decide to have dc2 and am now worrying the age gap is too large.

What is your experience?

We have a 9 year age gap between my twins and third child. It's great! The older ones play with the little ones in a different way to close in age siblings. There's no competition, which helps to avoid the bickering, too.

I would have thought it would be easier? What do you expect to be hard about it? With mine, three years apart, I found the hard bits were when they both needed me, so if the three year old was sick or hurt but I needed to feed the baby. With a seven year old that shouldn’t be an issue, they don’t need constant monitoring, and can even run get an extra nappy if needed. Sounds great to me!

It might be very easy - the 7 year old isn't a baby any more and won't be needing you like a toddler would.

My sister is 7 years older than me, and to be honest we hardly had anything to do with each other. By the time I was 7 she was 14 - I can't recall doing anything with her at all . And by the time I was 14 she'd already left home so I was like an only child then. It was like two totally different worlds that we lived in. Don't worry about it - I'm sure it'll work out fine for you.

I have a 3yr gap between dc1&2 and then a 6yr gap between dc2&3.

It’s been easier in general than the 3yr gap. The main difference is that my older two are quite active with clubs and hobbies etc so trying to fit all the baby stuff in around that can be hard. Their clubs often don’t finish until 7.30ish. For this reason we didn’t have a set routine for the first 6/7 months as everyday was so different. Now dc3 is one and found his own routine. Friends help out with lifts back so not such an issue.

If baby is unsettled I didn’t have to worry about a toddler left unsupervised downstairs. Also it’s lovely having the 1:1 time whilst older dc’s at school.

My eldest dc actually told me the other day that he loves having a baby sibling as he never gets bored any more. Baby follows them both around and tries to copy what they are doing.

You’ll be fine!

8 years between me and my brother we have a good relationship now (20 and 28) When growing up you couldn't separate us we did all sorts together and I loved helping my mum when he was a baby.

I don't have that age gap in my two,but my brother was 8 years younger than me and I adored him-I was well up for changing nappies, helping to feed (once in solids) and generally carting him around on my hip. He was my favorite toy. Once he was bigger,I was his biggest fan at rugby matches,school plays and loved to take him to the cinema and spoil him.

My youngest is 3 and hero worships his 10 year old brother, he quite often goes to him for a cuddle when hes hurt himself. My 10 year old is amazingingly patient with him, however im not entirely sure i like their latest game were my 10 year old likes lobbing my 3 year old about, 3 year old loves it mind.........