https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:44:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-older-ages-are-okay-to-share-a-room#post-2928421 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:21:45 +0000 Miss Ariel 2928421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grew up in a two bedroom house. my brother and I are about two years apart and we shared a room till I left for college. My mom did what she could to separate us and lofted my brothers bed, but we had to share by necessity. This was in California where the housing costs are high for reference. I could see how some might think it’s odd, but it never felt like a huge deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-older-ages-are-okay-to-share-a-room#post-2928420 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:31:33 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2928420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lahela017: True! We already do that, to some extent. The four year old doesn’t care about privacy at all yet, but the eight year old definitely wants privacy when changing clothes now. Usually it’s no problem. The bathroom is right across the hall, and our bedroom is also available. :)</p> <p>@Purpledaisy: I’m glad to hear someone a few years ahead of me with a positive experience! My son (the older one) is the one who is starting to get angsty and acts like he wants his own space. But…at night he doesn’t want to be lonely and prefers her there. Doesn’t like it when she’s gone. So I wonder if the “alone time” can be accomplished some other way throughout the day. Do your kids feel like they have space to go be by themselves if needed? Just curious! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-older-ages-are-okay-to-share-a-room#post-2928419 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 22:47:53 +0000 Purpledaisy 2928419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My almost 11 year old daughter and 7.5 year old son share a room. If they’re happy with it, then why can’t it last forever? Most likely eventually someone will want their own room but I don’t see any reason why it’s weird for opposite gendered siblings to share a room🤷‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-older-ages-are-okay-to-share-a-room#post-2928417 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:25:15 +0000 Lahela017 2928417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No personal experience, but in my opinion, I think it's totally fine until one of them start to be uncomfortable with the arrangement. I think sharing a room is great!! In the meantime, you can have them change in privacy in the room at different times or in the bathroom, if that is a concern. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-older-ages-are-okay-to-share-a-room#post-2928416 Tue, 26 Dec 2023 20:38:28 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2928416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this is so subjective, but in your mind how long would you let two siblings, one girl and one boy, share a bedroom? They are about 4 years apart and love sharing a room with two twin beds. We have a bedroom (beds, stuffies, books, clothes) and a play room. Both are shared spaces between the two of them. I know this can’t last forever, but I’m wondering if anyone has opinions or experience to encourage us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927992 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:42:08 +0000 lady baltimore 2927992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD1 was 6 when DD2 was born; they are now seven and about-to-turn 1. So far, this gap has been wonderful! DD1 is old enough to be genuinely helpful, she adores her sister, she can occupy herself and take care of self-care tasks independently when needed, and she is able to express herself when frustrations arise. I also love that they need me in such different ways - it helps me not to feel burnt out. I am excited to see how my girls' relationship develops as they grow. Right now, DD1 is eager to share a room once DD2 is out of a crib, but I know she may no longer feel that way once the time comes in a few years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927980 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 22:54:46 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2927980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our kids are almost exactly 4 years apart. It helped the newborn era feel easier because the oldest was already potty trained and in preschool. The younger sibling gets to do a lot more things that the older one didn’t do at that age. Ha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927978 Sat, 11 Feb 2023 18:28:04 +0000 bhbee 2927978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My older two are almost exactly 3 years apart and my youngest is 3.5 years behind the middle. So 6.5 total gap. I’m glad mine weren’t closer as it gave me more breathing room. And my oldest is like little mommy to the youngest, but they’re not so far they can’t play together (yet … we’re on the cusp of the oldest moving into a different phase). And she learns so much from them, they’ve loved teaching her letters and numbers. The drawback I see of a big gap is the different phases thing. I just took my big kids on a trip to FL and left the youngest home with DH. It was AMAZING to not have any preschooler meltdowns or need to be as hands on. The older kids (8 and 11) can just handle themselves 24/7 and that was so fun. I mean I’m just older and more tired now so I’m also less patient with the youngest, and if we have to all be together she gets dragged to lots of things that I wouldn’t have done when the oldest was little. Sorry for the rambling but all to say - I think a bigger gap can be really fun but it also helps to agree as a family to do some things separately so you can enjoy both ages in their own way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927961 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:12:32 +0000 hitchhiker 2927961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids are almost exactly 3 years apart (7 &amp; 10). There is no way that they could have been any closer, because my oldest was such a hard baby that I didn't even consider having another until she was a little over 2. </p> <p>I am sometimes jealous that my friends with a 2 year (or less) age gap can have their kids in more overlapping activities. But my kids are so different, and I think they benefit from us having to treat them very individually and not having the option of lumping them together in activities/friendships just because they are close in age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927960 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:40:31 +0000 LadyDi 2927960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids are 7.5, 5, and 3.5 so pretty small gaps between all of them, particuarly the last two. Having 3 kids under the age of 4 was rough for me. My oldest is very easy and always has been but the middle one was very clingy and since he was only 16 months when my youngest was born it felt like I had two babies. NOW however, I love it. They are all boys and are all (sort of) into similar things. They play well together for the most part and I love seeing their relationship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927958 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:52:56 +0000 Chuckles 2927958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 6 year age gap. DS did have a hard time sharing attention once his sister was a little more alert and needing more of our time (after maybe the first few weeks). Like @karenbme: DD only slept on us for quite awhile, so that was hard. Once we got past the first several months, things got a lot better. DS can be super helpful and understanding, plus because he's a little bit of a young 9 year old (maturity-wise), they can play together now that DD is 3. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927953 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 01:22:02 +0000 karenbme 2927953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally agree that it depends on the kids!</p> <p>We have a 3yo and a 2 month old, who are pretty much exactly 3 years apart, and have had a harder transition than than it sounds like @Lahela017: has… 😅 DD1 is very jealous of all the time I’m spending with the baby, who in addition to needing to eat every 2 hours refuses to sleep anywhere but on me. She still loves her sister and wants to be involved, but pretty much daily hits me with a “wouldn’t you love to spend time with me?” or “I just want to see you!” (because having my sole attention and seeing me are the same in toddler land). I assume it will get easier, especially once the baby will nap in her crib, but right now it’s rough. Although I don’t think timing it differently would have changed things given the two kids I’m dealing with 🤷🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927951 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:21:40 +0000 anonysquire 2927951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m sad about my age gap. But I have 12m, 2y and 10.5m, so 6 years feels so long 😭 But all of my kids are so excited for a baby and I hope they will help hand diapers or something lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927950 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:01:53 +0000 Lahela017 2927950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like it really depends on the individual kid, and most people I talk to love the gap they have, whatever it is! :happy: </p> <p>Mine are a little over 3 years apart. It's been great so far! (DS is still a baby) DD loves her brother, and is old enough to entertain herself a bit, is potty trained, understands when I need to feed baby and can be patient, and no jealousy. 🤞🏻 She's a fabulous big sister, and loves her baby brother! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/age-gaps#post-2927949 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:54:33 +0000 Lilfarmer 2927949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m curious to hear what everyone’s age gaps are and what that’s been like for your family? </p> <p>My LOs will be 7 and 10 when our third arrives and it’s really cool how excited they are! My close friend has similar spacing (12, 10, 2) and seems to love that spacing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920707 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:29:53 +0000 poppygirl15 2920707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@castilrm: some of the schleich toys are on sale as part of Amazon’s daily deals <a href="https://www.amazon.com/deal/436db394&#038;searchAlias=toys/?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER#&#038;tag=thriftylittles-ssc-369141-20&#038;ascsubtag=4819629981" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/deal/436db394&#038;searchAlias=toys/?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER#&#038;tag=thriftylittles-ssc-369141-20&#038;ascsubtag=4819629981</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920679 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 19:09:23 +0000 meadow 2920679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@castilrm: brain flakes!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920676 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:49:30 +0000 mdf106 2920676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The VTech KidiZoom Camera Pix is popular among 3 year olds. Alex brand has a lot of good art kits for a 3 year old. A pop up tent. Little Tykes Big Waffle blocks (only if you have enough room). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920671 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:42:04 +0000 castilrm 2920671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks all! I like a lot of these ideas. I hadn’t heard of Schleich animals before so I’ll definitely take a look at those! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920670 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:29:01 +0000 poppygirl15 2920670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second erinbaderin's ideas. My 4 yo loves Schleich animals and takes them in the bath - everywhere. Dress up clothes are also huge in our house. Play doh kits are fun. You might be able to find a Frozen one that would include snowflakes. If big sister is getting a new bike, maybe she could get a new, wheeled toy? Like a scooter or balance bike? I think we got my DD a vet kit when she was three or four, which is still used. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920657 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:56:28 +0000 josina 2920657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>3 Year olds are hard! My dd is the same age but she likes all the girly things, she is getting twin babies from Santa for sure, and then ??</p> <p>Ideas I have for her:<br /> A bubble lawn mower or bubble blower<br /> Melissa &amp; Doug Cut, Sculpt, and Roll Dough kit<br /> Melissa &amp; Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set<br /> My First Crayola Touch Lights, Musical Doodle Board<br /> A Remote Control Car<br /> Poke-A-Dot Books<br /> Bath toys - Boon building bath pipes, Schylling Mermaid Bath Stories Bath Toy</p> <p>And then all the girl things she loves - Kindy Kids doll, nursery play set, doll clothes and bottles, play makeup/hair dryer/straightener kit</p> <p>This list goes to all family that buys for her and gives lots of options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920656 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:55:28 +0000 erinbaderin 2920656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This might be a little pricey, but what about an Osmo Little Genius set? That was a big hit with my 3 year old. Dress-up things? When my son was 3 he was also (and still is) SUPER into Schleich animal figurines - they get turned into armies, they go in the bath, they go in the sandbox, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gifts-for-3-year-old#post-2920650 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:19:12 +0000 castilrm 2920650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all! I could use some inspiration for a Xmas gift for my 3 year old (girl, but tend to prefer unisex toys) who is a typical second child. She gets all of her sister’s hand me down clothes and toys, which she obviously doesn’t mind but I feel bad that I put a lot of thought into the right toys to get her 5 year old sister, and I usually just get her something last minute so she has something to unwrap because we already have so many of the usually suggested toys (legos, magnatiles, play kitchen, dollhouse, scooters etc) for her older sis that she’s inheriting. Also, since we’ve been home so much since March, I’ve purchased them a lot more toys than usual “off cycle” to just keep them busy while we work, so I’m really tapped out on what the heck to get her. Her older sis has outgrown her bike, so we’re getting her a new bike for Xmas, some ridiculous Snow Dragon thing she asked for, and grandparents will probably chip in for a the bike or get her some art or STEM projects I suggested. </p> <p>I asked my 3 year old what she wanted and she said “snowflakes,” so I’ll see if I can find something that fits that description! But any other ideas? Has anyone ever tried one of those Leap Frog pads? Are those fun/educational for 3 year olds? FYI, nothing to expensive as we’ve already spent more than usual this year on toys and items to keep them busy, so I don’t want to go overboard or blow our budget. </p> <p>Thanks! Clearly I’m procrastinate work today :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-3-across-work-without-pulling-my-hair-out#post-2916315 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:03:22 +0000 Becky 2916315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to share that we found a solution! We have a FF Diono Radian behind the passenger (LATCH for now but belt works fine), Chico Keyfit 30 in the center (LATCH), and Evenflo Big Kid begins driver. I have to buckle the Evenflo or she has to crawl in. No experience actually loading the baby seat over the others and into the middle yet while running late for work, but we’ll see. We’re upgrading to a larger vehicle fall 2021 so will make it work. </p> [attach=7943/20/qbqahm.600x450.4995E818-FA6E-46BF-9D32-7274E9E0C449.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909209 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:06:29 +0000 Sams Mom 2909209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyLayneAZ: I'm glad I'm not alone 😂 I've realized some of it is him not pushing his penis down when going poop so it's getting the back of his pants wet... BUT other times he's either so focused on what he's doing or God only knows what and then he's peed his pants </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909122 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 16:46:07 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2909122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: my DD, who will be 4 in April, is having the same issue. She is just not quite getting her pants down in time and peeing in her pants. I'm also pregnant with #2 - due in April- so I'd been wondering the same thing. I could've written this post myself lol </p> <p>Anyhow, I *think* it's that she is just getting so lost in whatever she's doing, she is forgetting to go early enough...but, it's literally ONLY happening at home, so that has me scratching my head. Call for attention because new baby is coming? Distracted? Growing? I have no idea. But, commiseration momma!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909097 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:49:09 +0000 ilovepie 2909097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids have regressions during growth spurts. It's usually pretty obvious because they'll eat a ton more and also tend to have issues with other developmental skills like emotional regulation, or remembering school stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909090 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:56:19 +0000 Sams Mom 2909090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: @caitcat: @hitchhiker: I hope it's just a blip. He's been asking a lot of questions about when his sister gets here. He's excited, but I'm worried about it all and I'm afraid he's picking up on it.</p> <p>@Pollywog: the way he's eating it's a possibility. The last couple weeks he's sleeping longer and eating a lot more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909086 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:16:57 +0000 hitchhiker 2909086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are in a similar place. My DD2 is nearly 4, potty trained very easily almost a year ago. She has had two periods over the last few months where she suddenly had accidents several days in a row. But then it's just stopped all on its own. I wouldn't worry about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/potty-training-regression-4#post-2909083 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:21:31 +0000 caitcat 2909083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My now 5-year old was virtually accident-free once she potty trained, except for a few random blips here and there once or twice a year. It always felt totally out of the blue, happened a few times and then went away as quickly as it came about. Hope that's the case for your son, too! </p>