Tips for Parenting Kids With a Large Age Gap

When you become a parent, you know you are responsible for taking care of that little person throughout all the stages of their life. Whether you’re helping them develop through their first year or you’re getting them through those tough teenage years, there’s a lot of pressure to raise your kids right. This is especially true if you end up having more than one child. Many couples will end up having children that are closer in age, but some parents may be trying to raise kids who have a large age gap.

You always want to make sure your kids are taken care of and loved in the best way for them. When they’re close in age, you can often do similar activities and navigate similar stages of life. When you have kids who are several years apart, you’ll be doing everything over again with children who have vastly different interests. These can be difficult waters to navigate, but they can be so rewarding when you do it successfully. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you, parent kids, with a large age gap.

Get the baby started off right

Newborns are some of the most vulnerable creatures in the world. This is why it’s important to start your child’s life off right. Even if you’re also taking care of an older child or a toddler, it’s essential that you get your baby started outright. Be aware of feeding, pediatrician visits, tummy time, and more, all while also giving your older kids love and care in other ways. If you have any concerns or questions about parenting, it may be time to check out TrulyMama.com if you’re having a hard time with the newest addition to your family. This blog site can offer each new mom or old mom different brands and items that you’ll be sure to love. Treat your kiddo to their favorite toy or something to help their fine-motor skills as you search Truly Mama to hit those exciting baby milestones in the best way.

Make sure you take time for individual interests and hobbies

When parenting kids of different ages, you need to know you’ll be attending different activities and balancing several interests. Your toddler may be going to music classes and learning what solid foods they like while your teenager is dealing with relationship drama and trying to fit in at school. Make sure you take the time to show interest in both sets of hobbies and prove to your kids you’re interested.

Plan one-on-one time with each child

If one of your children is going through a season of life that requires a little more attention, your other kiddo may feel left out at times. Nip this in the bud when you dedicate individual time to all your children. Plan special outings once a month or come up with an activity that is special for the two of you. Go with your teenager to their National Honors Society scholarship meeting after you head to beginner ballet for your 5-year-old.

Prepare to have two completely separate experiences

When you’re raising two kids at similar times, it may feel like you’re hitting different milestones and enjoying certain seasons at the same time. However, raising kids who are growing up in vastly different stages of life may feel a bit like deja vu. As a parent, it’s up to you to prepare to go through similar experiences again a few years later. You also want to remember that your kids are completely different people. You may have kids who develop at different speeds or need special attention for different areas. Parenting is all about being there for your kids however they need you, so be prepared to have separate experiences with your different kids.