5 year age gap?

[Wickedin]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to hear some honest experiences from parents.

For those who have kids with about a 5 year age gap, have you found any downsides or challenges with that gap?

I hear a lot about the positives, but I’m curious about the trickier side too. For example, if the eldest has quite a strong or dominant personality, did that ever make things harder for the younger one?

Did they struggle to play together much because of the age difference, or did it work out fine?

I know every family is different, but it would really help to hear real experiences.

Thank you 😊

Hi OP.

Mine have a 6yr gap, so not exactly 5, but the harder parts came as they got older. Trying to find activities to do as a family, as they both have different interests or wants etc.

My eldest also can try to parent the youngest at times, where I have to step in and remind them who the actual parent is.

Otherwise there hasn’t been very many negatives to be honest, they’ve always got on great and played together well. They have one of the closest bonds now, especially when compared to my nieces and nephews who are closer in age.

Not sure how much that helps 💐

I’ve not got a five year gap with my DC. Weirdly both me and DH have a 5 year gap with our younger siblings.

We both were very, very clear that we didn’t want that for our own DC.

5 year gap here and it’s mostly positive. Yes the play together, I think children just make the best of what the have available and they only have each other! Can’t comment on the older being dominant, like most people I know, the second child is the dominant one! never had to worry about the physical disparity between them as my oldest has never been rough.

Hardest part is finding things they both want to watch on TV (but good for learning to compromise!) and also finding activities they both enjoy. We’re lucky we live near the sea so the beach is great for catering to both and regular ‘go to’.

I also have a 5 year gap with my sibling. We played together growing up and have a good relationship as adults too. Overall it’s been a positive experience from both perspectives, as a sibling of that gap and as a parent. Positives far outweigh the negatives.