How long should we wait to have a third child?

Question

We will be 23 when this second baby is born. I thought that maybe I will go for a third when I am 30 or something, and my husband thinks thats a good idea. But now I am concerned I will get clucky again in that 7 year gap... 7 years is a long time! Also I am currently doing a business degree at university and I dont like the idea of going to work for a couple of years and then taking another 5 years off to raise another child. Do you think it would be better to have another one at 30 or shortly after this second child is born?

Answer 1

People can give you suggestions, but that would be between you and your spouse.  Their are economic reasons, and time with the other children.  Can you stay at home?  Do you want to stay at home.?  How are you phyically and how do you think you will be 18 years after you finally have one.? Lots to consider...Good Luck.

Answer 2

If I were you I would either have the next child at about the age of 25 or past 30 (e.g-35) It just means there is a big enough gap so that you can get your career sorted.

Answer 3

Seven years is too long to wait. However, before having a third child, ask yourself these questions:

Am I physically prepared to have another child?

Am I financially stable enough to have another child?

Do we have enough room in the house to make room for another child?

Is my husband willing to have another child?

Answer 4

It all depends on your life and what you intend to do... do you plan to be a stay at home mommy? if so you can kind of just make that decision later on, see how things go with two..you may find that is the magic number for you and your husband :-) if you plan on going back to work, you may want to have the baby either right after you get your degree and just hold off on working until you're ready or work for a few years and then go for it..do what's right for you and your family, and plan it so you can give each child the time, attention, and love they deserve from their mommy and daddy! :-) best of luck with everything

Answer 5

There are 5 years between my middle child and youngest child.  For me I wish they were closer.  They older kids and the baby have absolutely nothing in common and as a family it is hard to do things.  What the older kids want to do the youngest is too little for but what the little one can do the older ones don't enjoy.  The five year gap created a lot of obstacles for our family.  But that is just my opinion and I think it is different for everyone.

*Edit

Instead of thinking I have to stay home for 5 more years think of it as I get to stay home and raise my kids in the most important years of their life.  You don't know how lucky you are to be able to do this.  Then keep in mind that you don't have to be with them the whole time.  You can access a play group, preschool a couple days a week, a daycare (for social skills) one day a week, etc.  Staying home is in its self a lot of work so find a way to get out.  Maybe take a night class, join a moms group, volunteer at a local school, etc.  

Three kids

10

8

3

Answer 6

I think you ought to finish your business degree and see what happens in the future.  You may be in a better position that you don't have to take 5 years off but that can you be your choice when you get there.  I personally have a 17 daughter (going on 18 in 3 months), a son that is 10 and I am currently awaiting #3 in a couple months.  And we still want to have one more child.  Talk about an age gap!!! But I did not see it difficult to find things that each of my kids enjoy as a family.  I was always afraid that I would not be able to handle having more than 1 child under 2 or 3.  You have plenty of time to decide.....GOOD LUCK!!!!!!