Two being harder + age difference

[Anonymous]

What I didn’t appreciate is how having 2 kids changes the one kid you already have. I looked at my easy going toddler who we could plan everything around and thought I could add a baby. But the baby turned the easy going toddler into a toddler constantly trying to get attention and frustrated by having to sometimes wait to have his needs met. I think in the early years just the dynamic of two can multiply the work

[Anonymous]

We had 2 under 2.

I think it's easier in a way because they are built in buddies and entertain each other all the time and have for years.

[Anonymous]

Mine are 15 months apart and I love it but also always tell people how hard it is. I think after the second is potty trained it will be easier. It is so much fun though.

[Anonymous]

I also think it depends on the sexes. I have a boy and girl separated by two years. They basically have nothing in common, argue a lot. Juggling their different schedules/interests (they are in middle and elementary school now) is a challenge.

However, I also have a second son, two years younger than his brother. The boys are inseparable. They play together constantly, want to do the same sports, go to the same summer camps and want to see the same movies on a Friday night, etc.

So the older boy and girl - I'd say having two is harder. But when it comes to my two boys - having two is easier!

[Anonymous]

I did not find it difficult because I had two. I did find it to be a huge adjustment, one I hadn’t really fully understood going in. I don’t think it’s possible to really understand beforehand. I have said this before. I had seven full years of having an only child. I loved it. And the second really rocks that boat. I swear—more than the first rocked our child-free boat. I had a really hard time missing my quiet alone time with number one. The baby really ruins everything! Then it gets better, and I’d have it no other way.

[Anonymous]

Ours are 26 months apart. They are 4 and 2 now and it’s starting to get a bit easier. The first year of having 2 kids was very hard. We were always physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. I had PPD. Our very easy first child stopped being easy I think in large part due to his own adjustment to having a baby sister. Things are getting easier all the time as they get older; Now they play together, entertain each other, and are very close which makes the difficult times seem worth it.. But that first 18 months or so was so hard that I think if I were to do it over again we would have spaced them out 3-4 years instead of just 2.