When this baby turns one my daughter will be 8 years old. Is it possible that they will be close?

Question

My daughter is very responsible and nuturing. She loves teaching people things and adores kids 'when she grows up she want to be a babysitter', lol. But what when they are 16 and 8, will that bond hold through...?

Answer 1

It all depends on how you parent your children. You teach and show them to respect they will listen. Also, children learn by observing - how do you interact with your brothers and sisters (if you have them)?

Answer 2

In Modern America, most parents let the Outside World be the principle parent and family to their children once they get around the age 10 or older. But, historically speaking, this has not been the case. Traditionally, brothers and sisters stuck together, like peas and corn, like Hanzel and Gretel. Even today, in many "ethnic" families, for example in many Italian or Greek families, the brothers and sisters stick together and stay close all of their lives. They are each other's principal friends. They live near to each other all of their lives. They often go into business together. They really understand the meaning of the old phrase "Blood is thicker than water." One of the reasons so many people love the mafia dramas, such as "The Godfather" and "The Sopranos," is that they show FAMILIES THAT STICKS TOGETHER. You are right to be concerned that you baby and 8 year old will not ever be close. According to the norms and customs of Modern Society, they will not be. If she is raised to be a "normal" American girl, once your 8 year old hits her teen years, her life will revolve around her girlfriends and love interests. And in the end, the two girls will be virtual strangers who will, at most, simply be nice to each other at holiday gatherings. But this fate is not preordained! It is within you power to reject the Modern World, to see that it is fundamentally harmful and damaging to people, no matter how cool, hip and fun it seems to be. Maybe this is all very new to you. You will really have to think about this, and maybe research this topic. A related issue: Will your daughters be close to YOU all of their lives? Here's a key part of all this: Totally ban these from your daughters' lives: TV, rock and roll, and rap music. They are the "devil." Instead, you and your daughters should do "angel" tasks to together, such as crafts, cooking, canning, gardening, quilting, running a successful and lucrative home business, or whatever. That will create bonds that will last forever. Does that sound too radical? No TV, rock and roll, or rap music? Okay, well, try the Way of the Modern World, if you wish. My inspiration for all of this comes from some very courageous, conservative Christian teachers who say "there is a better way." But if you don't like such teachers, you may be able to get similar powerful wisdom on this topic from other sources. Best wishes.

Answer 3

I hate to burst your bubble, but the fact is whether or not they become close and stay close is a question that will only be answered by time. I've known siblings only 1 or 2 yrs apart and they can't stand each other. I've also known siblings many years apart that just adore each other. You can't force it. It either happens or it doesn't. One thing you might want to be careful of though, is to not blame the 8 yr old for things the baby does as they both get older. Don't say things like "you should have known better because you are older." Don't make the older one responsible for the younger one. It's your baby not hers. And never make her feel like she has to sacrifice anything because of the baby. If you do any of those things, she will automatically resent the baby.

Answer 4

In short, I'm pretty darn confident it will because of my relationship with my brother. Im 11 years apart from my brother (he being 26 and me being 14) and I still love him and relate to him in many ways and I have really bonded with him. My brother is the same kind of nuturing person, infact he is a teacher to little elementary school kids. So the bond should definately hold through.

Answer 5

When my baby sister was born, I was almost 10 and we are closer than anyone could imagine. Now I am 20 and she is 10. I no longer live at home, but she still comes and stays with me some weekends. When I lived at home, I always dropped her off and picked her up from school. One year she brought me for show and tell... lol. This year her class did a project where they said their favorite things about christmas and what reminds them of christmas, etc... and she wrote on hers that I am like the star on top of her tree... it was so cute. But I believe your kids will probably be close, especially if your older daughter is the way you say... that was exactly how I was... always nurturing, wanting to help and be around her. :)

Answer 6

I am 8 years older than my brother and we are close. I adored him as a baby, played with him when he was a toddler and headed off to college while he wa still in elementary. Yes, it is possible for them to be close. Your daughter will treasure the memories of a sweet baby/toddler, even when an annoying younger sibling is running around. Just make her a part of all the excitement.

Answer 7

My son is now 25 soon 26, my youngest just turned 17. My two boys are very close. Since my oldest moved out and married their not together as much but they are close. My oldest would always look out for his little brother. And yes at a certain age he didn't want to do as much with him, but they love each other and have a strong bond.

Answer 8

My sister and I have an 11 year difference in age. There will probably be a time where they won't be too close, but once the youngest gets a little older where they can share common interests (ie boys, makeup, music, etc.) the bond should become close. However, you may be lucky and they could always stay close.

Answer 9

i have 6 children ranging in ages from 26 yrs. to 4 yrs., so the span between some of them is very large. Even though the age difference might be great, they are all very close to each other. Sure they have the typical spats, but be sure that they are there for each other come hell or high water. So yes, your children can be close.

Answer 10

I have 4 kids, and the age range between them is like this

27-24 - 17- 7. And the difference is somewhat large, however, the 24, and 17 have difficult communicating and well, they all seem to get along fine.

Answer 11

my daughter was six and a half years old when her brother was born. they have always been close....she was the "babysitting"kind when he was little...now she is in college, and he is in the 9th grade, and they are still very close...she is amazed everytime she comes home to see how much he is changing...in looks, in personality, in popularity, etc. She calls him from school and they chat on the phone at least once a week. i think they will always be close.