Big age gap between kids

[annie0712]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone else had a big age gap between kids? Ive got DSD aged 11, DD aged 10 and DS aged 1. DH works shift so Im on my own with them on the weekends. While DS was a baby and stayed in the pram it wasn't so bad, but now he's running around, I'm really struggling for things to do that can involve all 3 kids and all 3 kids can have fun. I find the weekends and the school hols to be torture atm!

[MamaKoala]

Hopefully this bub will stick around and then I'll have 6 and 7 and a newborn. I don't know if that's the big gap you're talking about. Certainly sounds like you have your hands full trying to accommodate all the kids. I'm sure I'll be tearing my hair out in a year and a half too . I'll be keeping my eyes out for some tips on how to include everyone in the fun.

[Cicho]

There is another thread on this but I have 11.5 years between my DD and DS

[BreakfastatTiffanys]

I also have a big gap between my eldest and my youngest, 14yrs.

I too struggle to find things to do that involve everyone. Will keep my eye on this thread.

[annie0712]

Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do with the kids for those of us with the big age gap? Would love to involve them all in something fun

[luvmyboyz]

I have 8 1/2 yrs between No.s 2 & 3 and never really found it an issue.

We do a lot of swimming, outdoor rec things, beach, play centres (tho my oldest 2 are now to old for them now), animal parks, playgrounds.

The only thing I struggle with is going to movies etc, that takes a bit of juggling but we get there.

[Ys_Woman]

Holiday times can be the hardest, particularly when you are juggling kids alone and with no plans for going away. What about taking them all swimming? Or maybe a craft activity they can all enjoy..something like painting on big sheets of paper or maybe the older ones can do a picture on canvas (reject shop is great for that stuff) while bub finger paints, or play dough/ craft dough..bub would have a ball (I usually do this messy stuff outside..lol).. I don't know about your older ones but my 7 and 8 yr olds still love going to indoor play centres. I usually go with a friend and her kids and we enjoy a cuppa and chat while the bigger ones go off and do their own thing and our bubs play in the ball pit. Or picnics with friends at the local park.
Hope that gives you a few things to mull over. I know it's tough to keep them all entertained. I am seriously considering putting my middle two into a structured holiday program next Christmas as they get incredibly bored for seven whole weeks at home. Even just a week or two. It might be worth a thought for your older ones too Annie. Or else plenty of play dates with their friends..lol.

Hugs,
Amy

[littlemissleft]

I have a rather interesting age range for my kiddies My eldest dd will be 17 in August, 2nd eldest dd 14 in July, one and only ds will be 12 in May and the baby dd (not for long) will be 10 in April. I also have a little dd bump due in May . You think I'll ever get hold of this baby? I was 17 when my little bro was born (19 years ago) and everybody thought he was mine! I wonder if this will happen to my eldest?

[annie0712]

Hi Littlemissleft Wow, you must be extremely busy! What do you do with all the kids together for fun?

[littlemissleft]

Oh hi Annie Well, It really doesn't feel like I have my hands full... but then baby isn't here yet! I s'pose I am spoilt as all my 4 kiddies are great, agreeable and they all enjoy time as a family, my hubby is also excellent . It makes it very easy as we live on the coast, so we are always picnicing and most Saturdays we head to the beach, set up a gazebo and take our ozi bbq (little portable). We spend our time there until after lunch as that is the elder girls favourite, then on the way home there is a little fresh water lake where we will stop and that is the younger kids favourite! We will often have tea there and head home in time for a bath and bed! We go boating quite a bit, and will park the boat and go swimming. We all go snorkelling too, but I can't imagine putting a snorkel on lil bubs! We have already scoped out a place where we can plonk ourselves on an island and take turns snorkelling up and down when bubs is here. Winter time is a little different, we go camping and find all sorts of walking trails. I give the kids the camera and they go crazy! In winter we always go for a family walk after tea (not so many mozzies) and that is a great time to walk along and chat... We even set up the tent in the backyard sometimes and the kids enjoy camping in there! Have you got singstar? If not you should try it! My eldest two have actually cancelled plans with their friends because they didn't want to stop playing! I hope some of these ideas help.