How far apart are your children?

Question

My husband and I have a son and he just turned 1 year old. My husband told me last night he does want to start trying for another as soon as I want to. I do want to have another baby, I'm just unsure how long to wait. I think next spring so the children will be about 3 yeas apart. What has your experience been? How far apart are your children? Was is planned that way? Would you change it?

Answer 1

My first 2 are 2 1/2 years apart and that is about right. They can play together and learn together, the next one is 4 years after the second and that is a little far apart, you are having to start all over. The 3rd and 4th ones are 2 1/2 years apart and then the 4th and 5th are 23 months apart and that is okay too. I wouldn't want them too far apart or you are having to start all over again, I liked it when they were closer in age that way you didn't have to completely start all over.

Answer 2

My kids are nearly 4 years apart, it was planned that way on my part, I was a teen mom and didn't want another child until I was married, so right after I got married I wanted a baby again! I got pregnant 4 months after my wedding. My kids are best friends, I was worried about the age difference, but it's actually much better than I expected. My oldest is a fantastic helper and it makes her feel like a big sister and a big kid to be able to do the things that my son cannot. She helps with him and always has, she's been head over heels for him since he came home from the hospital, they are half brother and sister but she'll have none of that talk. She loves him endlessly and has much more patience than say if they only had a 1-2 year difference, she's older and doesn't want the toys he plays with. She likes the age difference I think. Its worked out wonderful for us and we decided if we're gonna have another than we'll do it 4 years apart again

Answer 3

I have a step son , and two daughters. My step son lives with me and my husband. We have sole custody of him. Anyways.. My son, and one daughter are 1 1/2 years apart from each other. And my husband and I have another daughter that is just now 3. My two other children are in the 1st and 2nd grade, but my baby her birthday falls in Jan. so she does not get to start school for 2 more years. Bummer...lol Its nice to have them all close I think so that they will all be in school together. I would have loved being at the same school as my brothers.

Answer 4

To answer your main question...my kids are 2 minutes apart. They are 6 year old twins in first grade & I think if I were to have any more, now would be when I would want to since they are easier to handle now & able to help out at least a little. My sister and I were 6 years apart & we were fine.

I went through having 2 in diapers at the same time & wouldn't want to do that again. Potty training while staying up all hours of the night with a newborn would be exhausting.

Answer 5

Example- My boys are exactly 4 1/2 years apart...my oldest was never jealous and has always wanted to help out with the youngest. Me and my oldest little sis are 8 years apart--I HATED HER!!! I was the "baby" for 8 years before she came along. LOL But my other sis and I are 14 years apart-and I darn near mothered her- I was infatuated. It was totally different. Im not suggesting u wait that long--i think 3-5 years is ideal. good luck!

Answer 6

I have 2 kids and One on the way. My first two are 6 yrs apart and the one that I will have another within the next 2 weeks, will be about 2 weeks shy of 2 years.

I liked the age difference of the first two because they dont argue they have their own space ect.. I am worried about this one on the way and my second one because my daughter (second one) is going to be very jealous of this one on the way, plus they are both girls and going to make it harder as they get older fighting.

I wouldn't change it though, because i didn't have any siblings near my age at all (10 yrs closest) and i think it will be good when the get older to have the sister relationship.

Answer 7

My sister and I are 2 years apart and we were never close. My oldest 2 boys are also 2 years apart and they are not close either. Maybe it is a coincidence but I think its best to wait and space them out properly. My youngest is 6 years younger than my middle child and they are good friends. My oldest and youngest barely talk they have nothing in common. They are 18, 16, & 10. I heard that 4 years apart is best.

Answer 8

I have a 9 year old steps son, a 3 year old and a 6 month old.
I would of liked to have had a baby closer to the nine year old but I kept having miscarriages. My 9 year old HATES the 3 year old but adores the 6 month old. The 3 year old hates the 6 month old but is infatuated by the 9 year old. He has to copy everything big bro does. They fight all the time. I think it would be better to have kids closer in age. Good Luck

Answer 9

4 years between number 1 and 2, I wanted less time but it didn't happen that way (planned).... there is 2 1/2 years between 2 and 3, that's nice because their close but I also felt I was cheating 2 out of more mommy time (not planned), now there will be 3 years between 3 and 4 (not planned) and I think this time diff. is ideal. I wouldn't change it, it's given me different experiences. But remember less than 2 year diff. and your running the risk of changing two kids' diapers. I did it, and it's not fun!!

Answer 10

I don't have kids but my brother and I are a year and 8 months apart. Not planned. We're really close in age, enjoy the same things, can help one another out in situations, give advice without having to say "when I was your age" or something like it - it's great!