Tell me the benefits of bigger age gaps between siblings please

Question

I have been sad over ttc since my daughter was 9mths old (when my AF returned) and she is now 2. I have discovered my fertilty hasn't returned fully yet due to breastfeeding and I feel happier about waiting (knowing there isn't something 'wrong' with me) and am wanting to feel positive about spacing my children out more than I imagined.

Answer 1

Well hey, my oldest brother is ten years older than me, and my middle brother is seven years older than me, and I'm quite happy with how I've turned out.  Basically, here's how it went down in my family in terms of sibling relationships:  My oldest brother would beat up my middle brother when we they were kids, then once I was a kid my middle brother would beat me up and my oldest brother would stop him.  The upside of having your kids spaced apart is that older brothers tend to really be there for their younger brothers as protectors, but the downside is that they function less as friends because of the age gap.  So while they keep the younger kids out of harm's way, mostly, they also don't really hang out with them because it'd be odd.

Answer 2

It is just easier! As nice as it is that my girl's are close in age and are best friends, it was REALLY tough for several years!!!

Answer 3

Well my sister is 10 years older than me and the benefits?

no1. your own babysitter!

no2. Drive me around

no3. help me with stuff

no4. help you out with stuff.

but now shes 37 so haha.

Answer 4

I can help you by giving you some perspective on having a 3 year old and a 14 month old. Going back to when the youngest was born, our then 22 month old was still waking up at night so we were up with two kids at night. And we were buying diapers for two. Two carseats, twice as much in the diaper bag, double stroller. The logistics of getting out of the house with to babies was sometimes a struggle and a lot of work. As they've gotten older, things have gotten a little easier but there are still some issues that would potentially be easier. Now that our youngest is walking, she tries to play with her older sister. She'll walk over and pick up a toy and want to talk and play. However, all a 3 year old sees is that her toy is being taken. This gets old after about 4 fits! I do wish that  had more one on one time with the baby. My 3 year old will be starting preschool this year - so that will help a little.

The other issue that I have had is finding a reliable and trustworthy babysitter. When you have two little ones, you have to have a ton of trust in who is watching your children. There are many times when I wish my 3 year old was older so that she could better communicate to me about her feelings about a sitter or the events of the evening.

I hope that this helps you a little.