Having kids far apart in age rocks for several reasons and not for the reasons one might think… Built in babysitters or big helpers? Um, NO!
A few of the more obvious reasons are first, when your kids are spread out in age the older kids are a bit less needy. For example when they are hungry they can make their own mac ‘n cheese when you are feeding baby for the 156th time in one day. Also older kids don’t need you to change their diaper or wipe their tushies anymore! With older kids if you need someone to hold the baby while you go use the potty, they can do that! (I would like to insert at this point that you shouldn’t expect the older kids to babysit or even be some incredible help. It probably isn’t going to happen.) Another reason having kids far apart in age rocks is that when the youngest is a baby they can be a baby and mom doesn’t feel so pressured to hurry the growing up process. Enjoy that baby while he/she is a baby. In the blink of an eye that time is gone.
With all of these amazing reasons why having kids far apart in age there is one that came completely unexpected to me. After 13 years of parenting I had learned how to be more accepting and patient with myself as a parent. Honestly, the single greatest thing when you have more time to reflect is realizing you aren’t going to be perfect and you don’t have to be. With my older kids I was my worst critic on the mistakes I was making. With a 10-year gap I was able to let go of my idea of a perfect parenting plan. Whew what a relief and how fun has being an older seasoned mom been?
This new found realization has allowed me to enjoy each milestone. Although the “baby” years have still gone by in a flash I appreciate having enough time between #3 and #4 that I get to have a baby again. I don’t feel any need to rush her into potty training, learning her ABCs or anything for that matter. Go ahead and call me crazy but making the choice to have a baby 10 years after the last one was an easy one. I have zero regrets!
Lastly but certainly not least why having kids far apart rocks is with each new memory I have made with this baby I have remembered the amazing memories I made with my older kids. It’s absolutely crazy what you can forget in 10 years.
