My sister and I are seven years apart. We were close when I was little, drifted apart when she entered high school, and came back together for a stint during my college years when she was single and working in her 20's. Then she got married and we drifted apart a bit again. Now that we are both firmly established adults, we are close friends. I looked up to her as a little girl, resented her as a teenager, akd have great affection for her now.
My two boys are now 6.5 years apart. The older is a doting big brother and his lil bro thinks he hung the moon. My older son is immensely helpful, and frankly it's nice to have a kid who can feed/bathe/entertain himself while I take care of the baby. It's all good. Go for it. Life doesn't follow a set plan or pattern. And you set the tone. Good luck! |
I have a sister seven years older and we have always been close. It helped that she really wanted a sibling and was excited and patient when I was little. Growing up she was a little more parental than always sibling like, but it was kind of nice to have someone else to go to for help/advice. She took me everywhere when she started driving, lots of trips to the mall etc., and I loved visiting her at college. She lived at home for a year after college while I was in high school and that helped transition our relationship.
As adults, the age difference does not matter at all, other then I got the benefit of a preview on each life phase ahead of time, which was nice. Her youngest is only 2 years older than my oldest so that helps close the gap even more. Pros: no competition; both kids are onlies for a while; no overlapping college; kept my parents young Cons: have to be careful not to expect too much of the older one, have to encourage time together across different interests (we took a lot of family trips where my sister and I got to "do our own thing") |
Thank you! I love that wise-aunt descriptor. |
Wonderful, candid, response. I appreciate it! |
So many good points. Thank you! I'm using "hung on the moon" from here on out ![]() |
I am 21 years younger than my brother. We are not close, he is more like an uncle to me. |
So interesting how age really doesn't dictate friendship. I appreciate your insights! |
So sweet. Thank you! |
Thanks for this honest reply. I appreciate your candid response. |
Love the Toy Story connection. Thank you for sharing all of these insights! |
I have younger twins so I can commiserate with the bickering ![]() |
Treat both equally. If you have standards for the oldest, have the same for the youngest. |
Great advice. Thank you! |
It's an easy gap in terms of sib conflict. It's a hard gap in terms of scheduling. |
Thank you!! |