Age gap any difficulties?

[Tashaa1]

Hello!
I’m having my second child but there will be a 6 year age gap. Did anyone find any problems or find it easier with a larger age gap?

X

For all the talk and debate over the “ideal” age difference between your kids, I firmly believe there is no right or wrong answer. You have to do what’s right for you and for your family.
There’s the obvious: only one child in nappies. My 7yo was independent, able to play alone, use the bathroom by himself, grab a snack from the fridge. He was also extremely helpful, whether it was grabbing a bib for me or handing me the telephone, which I think helped make him feel involved. And there was less sibling rivalry: he could use his words and communicate if he was feeling left out or sad or needed us for something.
For me, I’m thankful I had so much one-on-one time with my Ds. Waiting nearly seven years before having another baby ensured I was emotionally prepared and able to cope with a second child. It also meant that I was able to give my DD the same kind of attention when her brother was off at school or other “big kid” activities.
Plus, you avoid the financial hit of paying “double childcare” or simultaneous uni fees!
On the other hand, days out and family activities will involve compromises and planning to cater for the different interests of each child. There'll be days when your LO has a tantrum because you're busy helping your older child with his homework. Or days when you feel torn in two because your baby’s teething and your eldest wants four of his friends to sleep over.

I’ve been think about this too. When my baby arrives my DD will be nearly 6. We couldn’t have had another earlier because of my mental health. Life has just started to get easier DD-wise (she has been quite a challenging kid in many ways) so I feel slightly bonkers for starting it all over again, but apparently the second one is easier.... I keep saying this to myself, like a mantra!!

No right or wrong answer to this- but for me, 5 plus years was ideal. DS1 was a TERRIBLE sleeper and I had PND. There was absolutely no way I could have coped with another any sooner. Luckily DS2 was more of a regular sleeper and no PND. DS1 was at school and although it meant I had to accommodate 2 separate routines, for me, it was easier to just have one child in the day time.
As they grew up, they were never argumentative or rivals because of the 5 year gap. Sometimes it's hard finding things to do that appeal to both of them but I wouldn't say it was a huge problem, particularly as they are both boys.

Definitely easier with a bigger age gap x

@ChachyFace @allaboutthequestions

Thank you, lovely to hear this!!

Made me feel much better thank you @Ricekrispie22 @ChachyFace @allaboutthequestions @peanutfoldover