Do you have or are you planning on having your kids close together? If so, then this post is just for you! I know a lot of people think that those that have two children ‘under two’ (or even less of an age group) are crazy or irresponsible but this is not the case sure, the chaos is going to be concentrated but there are plenty of amazing benefits to a close age gap in kids too.
Play Mates for Life
We all know how important the element of play is for young children. And when you have your children close together you can be assured that they have a friend for life. Sure, there will be times when your children hate one another but they will learn to enjoy one another’s company. Having someone else to explore the world, to imagine and create and to learn the basics of socialization is something that your children will experience and this can be a great feeling as a parent. You are giving them a great start to life and helping them develop skills that are vital later down the track. �As much as I hated my little brother, I loved having a friend whenever I wanted to play (and, of course, I set the rules).
The Entertainment Factor
When you are trying to get dinner cooked, get the laundry folded and organize a birthday party for the weekend, often the only way you can get it all done is to find some sort of entertainment for your little one. And, this often involves television, the computer or another outlet that you can’t help but feel guilty about. However, parents with children that are close in age find that they will entertain one another, which means you can step away for a moment.
Over and Done With
Another great thing about having children close in age is that you get the hard work out of the way. The first year of your baby’s life is going to be the hardest as you settle into a routine and get to know one another. Sure, you may feel like a walking zombie for two to three years but after that, you will hopefully begin to feel normal again and won’t have to worry about doing it all over again (unless, of course, you are crazy enough to go again!)
Baby Body Blues?�
Having children close in age means that before you know it, you may be experiencing those all too familiar pregnancy symptoms. In fact, your body may have not even had the chance to get back into a pre-baby shape before it will start to expand again. The good thing about this is that you don’t have to undo all your hard work. Many new mums are a little worried about getting pregnant after they have put in years of gruelling workouts and clean eating just to get their body back. When you have children close together, you can wait until after the second baby is born to even try losing the baby weight. Bonus!
Responses to “Benefits to a Close Age Gap in Kids”
Elise
I had 2 children 12 months apart. It’s worse than twins for the fact that they are at different stages but want to be at the same stage. Other than that I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
rebecca
I had two girls 13 months apart, not planned. I agree, worse than twins, different stages, you just finish doing one stage then start again. However, love it now I have a 2 and 3 year old. Also they were born the same season so both girls share clothes and entertain each other now!
Noni
I have four children – the closest gap is 18 months. The first year after the younger of those two was born was awful. Primarily because the elder of the two had moderate global delays. However, with a lot of therapy, he slowly improved. Eventually, those two became best of friends. Now, the elder of the two is 12, and his sister 11. They are still the best of friends. They have their own special language, they play together, they never fight, and they even hold hands (STILL) when out and about. Probably unusual for close-in-age boy/girl siblings (more on-par with twin behaviour – like their aunts), but I LOVE the relationship they have.
Natalie
My two, a boy and girl, are 15 months apart. The first two years were hands down the hardest of my life – they are now 2.5 and nearly 4. I too believe it is harder work than twins, having two babies on two totally different routines. But on the upside, they have the closest bond and get along so well – well 80% of the time. They are so gorgeous to watch together and I love that they will both have a friend for life. Worth all the hard work and then some. Love them too bits.
Amy Doupovec
My 2 eldest ones are 11 months apart. Hands down harder than twins. First few years were really hard but as they have grown its becoming more easier. Yeah they may argue and bicker at each ALL the time. But it has been worth it
Ashley
I definitely chose to have a close age for mine. I have a baby girl who will be 11 months old at the end of this month and I’m due July 10th with my other baby girl. I hope they are very close in their relationship. I do have to admit it’s rough on your body but I’m not complaining.
Responses to “Benefits to a Close Age Gap in Kids”
I had 2 children 12 months apart. It’s worse than twins for the fact that they are at different stages but want to be at the same stage. Other than that I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I had two girls 13 months apart, not planned. I agree, worse than twins, different stages, you just finish doing one stage then start again. However, love it now I have a 2 and 3 year old. Also they were born the same season so both girls share clothes and entertain each other now!
I have four children – the closest gap is 18 months. The first year after the younger of those two was born was awful. Primarily because the elder of the two had moderate global delays. However, with a lot of therapy, he slowly improved. Eventually, those two became best of friends. Now, the elder of the two is 12, and his sister 11. They are still the best of friends. They have their own special language, they play together, they never fight, and they even hold hands (STILL) when out and about. Probably unusual for close-in-age boy/girl siblings (more on-par with twin behaviour – like their aunts), but I LOVE the relationship they have.
My two, a boy and girl, are 15 months apart. The first two years were hands down the hardest of my life – they are now 2.5 and nearly 4. I too believe it is harder work than twins, having two babies on two totally different routines. But on the upside, they have the closest bond and get along so well – well 80% of the time. They are so gorgeous to watch together and I love that they will both have a friend for life. Worth all the hard work and then some. Love them too bits.
My 2 eldest ones are 11 months apart. Hands down harder than twins. First few years were really hard but as they have grown its becoming more easier. Yeah they may argue and bicker at each ALL the time. But it has been worth it
I definitely chose to have a close age for mine. I have a baby girl who will be 11 months old at the end of this month and I’m due July 10th with my other baby girl. I hope they are very close in their relationship. I do have to admit it’s rough on your body but I’m not complaining.