When you think about having a second child, numerous relatives will overwhelm you with advice. So, you can take stock and figure out what the age difference between your beloved babies should be.
3-4 year difference
Psychologists say that the best option for the age difference between babies is 3-4 years.
Then your older baby will be old enough. He does not need round-the-clock constant supervision: he eats himself, dresses himself, knows how to behave on the street, and can play alone.
It should be remembered that the older baby needs to be prepared for the birth of a brother or sister. Your child may be afraid that with the arrival of the youngest, he may become unnecessary in your family. You need to tell him that when the baby is born, he will be unprotected and need constant care. He will need to be bathed, fed, played with him, since there can be no question of any independence. Do your best to have the older child participate with you in preparing for the arrival of the youngest in the family. Find out his opinion: who he wants more - a brother or sister, as he wants to name the baby. Tell him how wonderful it will be if he can help mom take care of the baby.
1-2 years difference
If the difference between the older and the younger baby is about 1-2 years, it is already more difficult. Children are harder to keep track of. They can run along the street, scattering in different directions, or interfere with each other's sleep at night. It is also bad for the mother's health. The body has not yet had time to recover from the first pregnancy, when the second immediately follows. A completely emaciated mother will not be able to fully care for two babies. Plus to this - she needs to maintain order in the house. If the mother cannot receive full-fledged help, she may become depressed.
Difference ~ 7 years
When the difference between children is seven years old, you can feel certain advantages: while one child is at school, the mother can devote time to the younger one in full. And at the same time, when the elder needs help in preparing for the lessons, the younger still needs his mother's full attention. The best way out in such a situation would be to appoint dad as your personal assistant.
More than 7 years difference
If the difference between children is more than 7 years, a certain situation develops. The older child is already a formed personality with his own interests, friends and needs. Gradually, these children begin to move away from their parents. Of course, your older assistants will help you look after the younger one, but there may not be common interests and mutual understanding between children in the future due to too much age difference.
