Anyone out there with a large age gap between siblings?

[Debbiedowner]

I am expecting my second child - 14 years after my first! Not intentional, we have been trying for 10 years. Anyone out there with a similar gap who can advise on how to anticipate potential problems?

[Saturn74]

There are 6 years between my middle sister and I, and 13 years between my youngest sister and I. We have always got on pretty well, and it's interesting as it means we have always had a wide variety of friends. I was also pretty useful as a free babysitting service too!

[QueenEagle]

dd is nearly 15
ds1 is nearly 13
ds2 is 10.5

ds3 is 3.6
ds4 is 21 months

Lovely because it means dd babysits and we pay her once a week.
ds1 is brilliant with the little ones too.
The older ones look out for the younger ones and it's made their maternal/paternal instincts shine through.

Horrible at times because things seem to revolve around the little ones and the 3 big ones have to just put up with it.
Also a downer is that the older ones can get the little ones really hyper and it's hard to then calm them down.
Little ones also spoil things the older ones want to do ie with pens etc lying around and schoolwork.

Congratulations by the way!!

[izzybiz]

My Ds was 11 when i had his sister.

I was only 16 when i had him though, so thought i would wait untill i was old enough to have my next child!

They have a wonderful relationship, she absolutely adores him, and he is fantastic with her. She still annoys him at times though, but is always his princess!

[natmeistergeneral]

I have a fifteen year old, a twelve year old and a just-turned-two year old! The biggies absolutely adore the little one and vice-versa. They can be very handy helpers too.

[Ward3]

I have a friend who was born when her sister was 14 and her brother 12. The age difference seemed to work out extremely well as they all adored each other. Babysitting was still fun and new for the older children and as they grew up she was able to visit and stay with her older siblings alone.
I don't think you need to worry about the gap -- everything will work out.

[CheerfulYank]

It probably did Ward...this thread is almost nine years old :o

[Timetoask]

My oldest sis is 12 years older than me. I remember tiny snippets of my time with her as a child (very protective of me), but mostly I just remember her being away at uni/postgrad for my formative memorable years. We get on extremely well. She always thinks about me and cares for my wellbeing (as do I of her)

[Preshitha]

Hi to All.. I have a daughter 8 years old.. now planning for a 2nd baby.. my elder one will turn 9 when my second child is delivered. Will that be a big gap? i dont want to embarrass my elder daughter at any cost.. i am terribly confused..

[BrendaandEddie]

THIS THREAD IS FROM 2006

[wannabestressfree]

My youngest brother is 16 years younger than me :)

[majidrozati]

6 children in the house, 5 with small gap in age and the last (me) with 11 years gap from the youngest of other 5. Mom & dad worked hard for basic living + less time to spend w / children especially in regard to future of the last one. I am 45 and luckily became successful in everything including having my own family. The past does not leave me alone ..... allowing to enjoy life to the fullest. What are your thoughts. Thanks