The thought of having a large age gap between kids can be stressful for some parents.
The idea of having to go through the nappy changing and night feeding portion of your life all over again might be a bit daunting, but you might be even more worried about how your first born may adjust to the new arrival.
Take it from someone who has eight, 10 and 16 years respectively between her siblings, it's actually a blessing in disguise. Here's seven great reasons why age gap siblings are the actual best.
1. The built in babysitter
You may not be looking so far into the future just yet, but having a big age gap between your kids means that you might get to cut your babysitting expenses from your life for good.
The older one might not be too thrilled to forfeit their Saturday night to minding their little sibling, but what choice do they have. *evil laugh*
2. Sibling rivalry
Siblings with a bigger age gap are less likely to fight over petty things, because the toy your six month old old is obsessed with probably isn't going to hold much interest for your six year old.
Sibling jealousy is also less likely, as the older child will be more secure in itself after having a few years alone with mum and dad, and probably wont see the newcomer as a threat to it's undivided attention as much as a younger child would.
3. Self sufficiency
With a few years between your kids, it's probable that while you are up to your eyes in stinky nappies, you won't have to tend to your first born as much as if they were younger.
By the age of five or so, most children are well able to get themselves a snack, turn on the television and generally keep themselves occupied for short periods of time while you are wrangling with the new born.
4. School
If your eldest is at school all day, that means that while your new baby naps, you can also nap without the responsibility of another kid weighing on your conscience.
Genius!
5. Seasonal magic
While it might not be good news for your December bank balance, a wide age gap between siblings means that seasonal traditions like Santa coming at Christmas and the Easter bunny leaving treats at Easter will be around for lot longer.
This means a hell of a lot more quality family time spent celebrating these magical times of year.
6. One on one
Having a big age gap between your kids means that you get to spend more quality one on one time with each of them.
Your eldest has had a few years as an only child, and your new baby will have the benefits of that guilt-free alone time with you while your oldest is off at school or out with friends.
7. Your little helper
How many times did you get half way through changing your oldest's nappy only to discover you had run out of wipes?
Luckily for you if this happens with your new baby you can send your eldest on an errand upstairs to fetch a new packet of Pampers.
