The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Jordan(almost 10) is an awesome big sister. She is very attentive to Peyton(2.5). She loves her and plays with her all the time. She pushes to include her in things that maybe I wouldn't.
However, today(Halloween) was a reminder of the tough part of being the MUCH older sister.
We met up with Jordan's friends to Trick or Treat and EVERY single person made a HUGE deal over how adorable Peyton looked. They all fought over who got to hold her hand and each and every house.The adults fawned all over her too. EVERY house, Peyton got a comment of her Mike Wazowski costume and how cute she was. for Peyton but for Jordan. I know she is almost 10, but she looked beautiful too and nobody said a word. She wound up on the verge of tears and wanted to go home. I truly felt for her. It was NOT in a bratty way at all because she is just not like that when it comes to Peyton. She would not even tell us initially why she was so upset(although I knew).
Eventually she came around but it was tough and my heart ached for my daughter. I actually fought back tears myself. Tonight when they were getting ready for bed, Jordan said to her sister, " you looked so cute today and I had so much fun with you" I KNOW that was hard but sooooo sweet.
I let her stay up late on a school night and we had some mommy daughter cuddle time, with tea and a movie.

Not sure why I shared, but I feel better now, so thanks!

Message edited 10/31/2010 11:04:28 PM.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

That's so heartbreaking! But it sounds like she's a great kid, and you're a great mom.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

That's tough. It sounds like you have raised and amazing daughter though and Peyton is lucky to have her. You totally did the right thing by giving her some extra TLC!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

awh I teared up when I read what Jordan said to Peyton. Jordan is a good kid, an awesome sister and a good sport!
And ftr...Jordan looked fantastic! I know it was just for fun, but I love that color lipstick on her! She is a beautiful little girl.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Aww. I can honestly say though, that when I saw the pics of your girls I noticed Jordan first and how cute (and grown up) she looked. Then I wondered if she was freezing with no sleeves!!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

This brought tears to my eyes. Your older DD sounds so amazing, and in the long run, she won't remember this (or at least, it won't be that big of a deal to her). Having memories with her sister will trump this feeling, I'm sure. A sister she is SO lucky to have!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

see, i thought jordan looked sooooo good!!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Posted by monkeybride

That's tough. It sounds like you have raised and amazing daughter though and Peyton is lucky to have her. You totally did the right thing by giving her some extra TLC!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Awwwww. I just saw the pictures you posted and your older DD looked GORGEOUS! Really, she did. Your younger DD too. You raised a very sweet, caring girl. I am sorry that her feeling were hurt.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Aww, what a great big sister she sounds like, beautiful inside and out

MY DD steals all the attention from my DS too, I think people just gravitate towards "babies" and when my #3 comes I'm sure he/she will take over the spot-light from her .....

I would just emphasize how lucky she is to be a big sister and how all her friends wish they had a younger sibling and love to share her little sister ( and letting her know that Peyton is lucky to have her as her big sister)

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

You are an awesome mom. That was so sweet of you to be sensitive to what she was going through and then to do something about it

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

My sister & I are 8 years apart. It was hard when I was younger and people would fawn all over her..I felt left out sometimes, but I also loved that ppl thought MY little sister was so cute. I did too!
PS- my sister and I grew up as best friends and I always tried to include her in things and so did my friends. We are still BFF now (she's 21 & I'm 29) and she's the best aunt to DD!!

It may be hard sometimes now, but things will change when Peyton starts going to Jordan for advice and confiding her. I loves having my little sister come to me and being "older & wiser" and she loves having someone older, but not her mom that she can come to!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

I know exactly what you mean. Ryan is 15 months and Hannah is 8. We had taken both kids to the safe trick or treating at the high school last week and ALL the high school girls were falling over themselves to try to get to Ryan. Nobody even gave Hannah a second look.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

awwwww, it sounds like jordan is a wonderful girl, and fabulous sister! sorry she was upset, but it's making her a stronger, better person for it. she seems mature for her age. hugs to a wonderful big sister and great mommy!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

I am really sorry your daughter had a rough day, but what stands out most in your story is what an amazing girl she is, and that you are a truly wonderful mother. You can't stop hurt from coming their way, but you can guide them through it and give them the love and support they need. You did just that, and Jordan seems to have handled it beautifully. I hope she has a better day today!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Awww.it's tough to have a large age gap. She sounds like she handled it like a trooper.

My brother and I are almost 9 year apart and I must say it must've been hard for him..because I was the youngest and a girl. He did his best but I remember how he would get frustrated soemtimes.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

As hard as it is, sounds like Jordan is a real trooper and the best big sister to Peyton. And because of her level of maturity I am confident they will grow up to become the best of friends!!!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

I saw your pics and she is gorgeous!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Thanks to everyone for all the nice comments. It's never easy to see your kids hurt, as most of you know, but I am so proud of her. Peyton is the luckiest little girl I know to have Jordan as a big sister!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Posted by Deeluvsvinny



My sister & I are 8 years apart. It was hard when I was younger and people would fawn all over her..I felt left out sometimes, but I also loved that ppl thought MY little sister was so cute. I did too!
PS- my sister and I grew up as best friends and I always tried to include her in things and so did my friends. We are still BFF now (she's 21 & I'm 29) and she's the best aunt to DD!!

It may be hard sometimes now, but things will change when Peyton starts going to Jordan for advice and confiding her. I loves having my little sister come to me and being "older & wiser" and she loves having someone older, but not her mom that she can come to!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

It's a different dynamic.

My BF and my mom were 8 yrs older than their siblings. Both developed a mother and child relationship. The younger sibling would always tag along everywhere. My BF just finished paying for her sister's college. She would go to parent teacher meetings before that. On the other hand, a good friend of mine was ten years younger than his brother and they had no relationship at all

I guess my point is that the age difference can still allow your kids to be close, but the dynamics will be different.

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

Posted by monkeybride

That's tough. It sounds like you have raised and amazing daughter though and Peyton is lucky to have her. You totally did the right thing by giving her some extra TLC!

Re: The tought part of a 7 1/2 year gap between kids(sorry its a long one)

My sister and I are 7 years apart.

We are soo close now. I don't even think about the age difference unless someone asks.

It's kinda nice, because I got to be the cool aunt while I was young and she was raising her brood. Now I'm just starting my family and she LOVES to have us come visit and having a baby around again.

and soon my niece will be ready to be a babysitter



Sounds like your daughter has such a maturity about the situation. I'm sure they will be great friends for a long time