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What is the Best Age Spacing Between Siblings?

20 May, 2022
Q As-salamu Alaikum dear counselor, What in your opinion is the best age spacing between siblings in terms of each child's well being?

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•Spacing children over 3 years has many advantages such as spending quality time with the child without having to take care of others, the mom’s body is healed from childbirth; costs and needs are lower; and parents may have more quality time to spend with each other to retain that closeness and reduce stress

•I would kindly suggest discussing with your spouse the pro’s and con’s of spacing and reaching a decision based on what is best for your family dynamics.


As-salamu `Alaikum,

While there is no “best” age spacing, it is basically what you and your spouse prefer as a constellation as a family. However many “obstetricians recommend waiting at least 18 months before conceiving again as best for the new baby’s health” .

Spacing Between Siblings

With that said, spacing children apart by 12-18 months, this will insha’Allah create a bonding between the children.

There will be less sibling rivalry and parents can group the children together within a few years span which can cut costs on daycare if needed. Or the caretaker commits to staying home with the children until they are of school age.

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On the downside, it is a lot of work raising and caring for many children who are spaced so closely. And diapers and other needs can be expensive for multiple children.

What is the Best Age Spacing Between Siblings? - About Islam

Spacing children at two years can give the mothers body a break and time to fully heal. However, sibling rivalry is more common when younger. But when the children are older “they are close to each other and still have their own identities and interests”.


Check out this counseling video


Spacing children over 3 years has many advantages such as spending quality time with the child without having to take care of others, the mom’s body is healed from child birth; costs and needs are lower, and parents may have more quality time to spend with each other to retain that closeness and reduce stress.

However as more children come along later, you will be repeating the same process once again. Therefore, you may be in a perpetual state of raising young children!

As far as outcomes for children regarding spacing, Buckles et.al  found that the only benefit for greater spacing was for the oldest child. They did not find any differences for subsequent children.

Conclusion

I would kindly suggest discussing with your spouse the pro’s and con’s of spacing. And try reaching a decision based on what is best for your family dynamics.

Make duaa to Allah for guidance and trust in Allah, Allah knows best.

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information that was provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, it’s volunteers, writers, scholars, counselors, or employees be held liable for any direct, indirect, exemplary, punitive, consequential or other damages whatsoever that may arise through your decision or action in the use of the services which our website provides. 

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.