Age gaps.?
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The age gap between my oldest and middle child is 12.5 years, and 17.5 between the oldest and youngest. She's about to turn 18 and my youngest will be 6 months when she does. She loves her little brothers. She plays with both of them and has a good relationship. She doesn't come out with us all the time but to things like the zoo or aquarium she would come. She does do some babysitting but we pay here for things like date nights or this last year I leaned on her more than usual because I had SO many doctors appointments and twice weekly nst for 9 weeks...I couldn't take my middle child with me so I needed her. I paid her for it. And she's free to say no but since she doesn't have a job she likes to have the money. I don't ask her to watch the baby though. It's still pretty rare because we agree that it isn't her responsibly.
My eldest is 15 and 2nd is 11 and I’m 8 months pregnant with new baby, so I’m worried about this too x
With that age gap they're going to be into different things and you might have a few of those experiences that I'm sure you're dreading. Like you're trying to have a nice family day out and the surly teenager won't look up from their phone or won't come at all. You'll also find that the older child will have things spoiled by the younger one throwing a tantrum. It happens sometimes and it's ok! They can still have a lovely relationship and be friends when they're older. I've got a few friends with 8-12 year age gaps between their siblings and while they weren't that close as kids they're best friends as adults. One thing I'd try and watch out for is putting babysitting responsibility on the older one - don't do that! Don't make them play the role of an extra parent as that'll make them resent the little one. That's the main issue my friends have had. Generally they can of course enjoy things in different ways. Being close in age doesn't mean they'll have a good relationship anyway!❤️