#Oldests

When kids are little, staying close feels automatic. You’re together all the time. You know everything that’s happening in their world. As they get older, closeness becomes more intentional. What I’ve learned is that staying close doesn’t come from controlling more, it comes from listening more. It comes from letting conversations finish. Letting opinions develop. Letting them tell you something without immediately turning it into a lesson. The goal shifts from managing their world to becoming someone they still want to bring their world to. That’s something I’m always learning in real time. Anyone else finding that staying close looks different as kids grow?

My 5 boys have close age gaps and people often assume On paper, people assume that means constant fighting, chaos and competition. But in reality, it’s one of the reasons they get along so well. Because they’re so close in age, they’ve grown up together rather than alongside each other. Their developmental stages have overlapped instead of clashing. Siblings close in age often form strong peer style bonds. They play at similar levels, communicate in similar ways and understand each other’s world. That creates companionship rather than rivalry. They’re more like a little pack than individuals competing for space. Close age gaps don’t automatically mean competition. In our home, they’ve meant connection, built in friendships and shared memories. A sense of belonging that runs deep. It’s loud, busy and full-on but it’s also incredibly bonded. And watching them genuinely enjoy each other’s company has been one of the biggest rewards of motherhood. 💛 #bigfamily #agegapsiblings #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #closeagegap

I used to worry about the 6-year age gap between my kids. And honestly… sometimes I still do. Managing two completely different stages of life isn’t always easy. Different schedules. Different needs. Different energy levels. Sometimes I feel guilty that my oldest had to grow up a little faster. But when I see them together… my heart melts. It feels like it’s exactly how it was meant to be. Who knows what the teenage years will look like 🤣 but right now, I’m choosing to enjoy this season. What’s the age gap between your kids? how it’s going for you. I’d love to read your experience 🤍 #momlife #momof2 #momof3 #parenting #motherhood

watching their big bro/lil sis bond grow right in front of me 😭 sibling bond | brother sister | sibling love | kids growing up | motherhood moments | mom life | sibling relationship | family life | real mom life | toddler siblings | parenting moments | everyday motherhood | mom of multiples | childhood memories | sibling connection

All age gaps have pros and cons. You need to do what works for you and your family. ♥️ I remember hearing “have kids close together” so many times in new motherhood. I remember people asking when Molly was getting a sibling. Friends I made during my first mat leave started getting pregnant with one- and two-year-olds. The pressure to have a small age gap is real. To be honest, when ever I found out a friend with a child around the same age as Molly was pregnant I internally shuddered. Becoming a mom rocked my world. It was hard. It wasn’t until Molly was around 2 years old that I even entertained the thought of having a second child. At that time I was full on in running Fitbump (second kid vibes) and didn’t have the capacity for another baby, and in full transparency our marriage was going through a tough spot. My girls are 6 years apart and that works for us. During the pandemic my husband and I were able to reconnect, which provided a better environment for a new baby. Molly started Grade 1 when Tessa was born, which meant I had full days at home with her instead of having to divide my attention between two kids. Molly was and still is beyond helpful as a big sister. Tessa keeps Molly young, and Molly creates so many fun play experiences for Tess. 🙏 Don’t get me wrong, there are obviously challenges to the bigger age gap. As they get older their interests are not the same, the tv shows, movies etc become more challenging to agree on. M doesn’t want to go to little kid play places anymore etc. so weekend activities can be a struggle. There are challenges with every gap! All this to say every family needs to do what works for them. Maybe that’s an only child. Maybe that’s kids close together in age. Maybe it’s a larger age gap. Do whatever works for you! And stop commenting on people’s family planning. Mmkay??

How I became I mom of 7 kids by the age of 24 with 5 bio & 2 “bonus” kids. FAQ for some new faces 🤭 Not pictured: my bonus kids who became #6 and #7 when I married my husband at age 23. My story is messy & complicated (teen mom, coparenting, & 3 baby daddies) BUT let’s start with the basics 👀 I got pregnant in high school and have 1 daughter with my high school sweetheart. Her dad and I are still great friends to this day! My 3 boys are from my first husband & I have sole custody of them, my husband has raised them as his own and also made me a step mama to his 2 beautiful boys at the age of 23. Then at 24 we had our 7th (and only bio!) baby together completing our family. I’m now 33 years old raising 7 teens and tweens and boy oh BOY do I love this season of life 🥹 #teenmom #twins #millenialmom #coparenting #mystory #blendedfamily

We were watching old home videos the other day, and Beau was convinced every clip of Liam was him. 🥹 They’re 11 years apart, but he just kept saying, “That’s Beau Beau!” It was the sweetest thing. And it really does feel like yesterday we were out there on that hammock with three year old Liam… and now here we are again, with little ones the same ages as the ones in those videos...children we didn’t even know were coming back then. Time is wild like that. Have you ever had a full-circle parenting moment like this? Have you ever had two kids that felt like you were raising the same child all over again?

I’m the youngest of three and now I have three kids and the accuracy of this just kills me 😂 IB: @brightbeginningswithdanielle [fyp, explore, relatable, mom of multiples, sibling dynamics, mom of three, brothers, sisters, boy mom, girl mom]

Being oldest is so hard, I am the oldest I felt so much pressure and responsibility but the way my oldest includes her sister no matter what is beautiful

Still waiting… no but honestly I can’t count how many people gave me the, “just wait!”’warning🫠 unpopular opinion but how your kids value family is cultivated within. Does my teenager want to hangout with us all the time, no of course not but as crazy as his little sibs (well his little sister-bubs is still perfect😆) it’s apart of his values. Age gap stigmas don’t stand a chance when family is a priority. Our little fam is far from perfect but we love hard & we have been a team from day one! Standing on that & it being something I actually got right in this whole motherhood thing 🤜🏼🤛🏼 #motherhood #momofthree #agegaps #siblings #momblogger

A little look back at how old each child was when their next sibling was on the way 🤍 Anywhere from 7 months old to 31 months old… And now baby #10 is 10 months old 🥹 Is she the last? To be determined... What’s your age gap between kids? Do you love closer spacing or bigger gaps?

There’s something special about watching your kids grow up side by side. 🤍 They won’t always agree. They’ll argue, compete, and push each other’s buttons. 😉 But they’re sharing a childhood. And more than anything, we’re raising them to know that no matter where life takes them, they have each other. Sibling bonds are one of the few relationships that grow with you through every version of life. From two moms (and two sisters🩷🩷) behind these pages, @momlifeconfessional + @realmotherhoodtruths, we hope our kids always remember: they were each other’s first friend… and they’re meant to have each other’s backs. 🫶🏼