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Second Child

As their daughter turns three, Rahul and Priya discuss whether and when to have a second child, weighing the age gap, finances, and how their daughter might react to sharing attention.

Rahul, Priya

Key words and phrases

age gapthe difference in age between siblingsThey wanted a small age gap so the kids could grow up together.
siblinga brother or sisterTheir daughter had been asking for a sibling to play with.
family planningdeciding when and how many children to haveThey spoke to their doctor about family planning options.
only childa child who has no siblingsThey didn't want their daughter to grow up as an only child.
stretched thinhaving too little time, money, or energy to manage everything wellThey worried about feeling stretched thin with two young kids.
sibling bondthe close relationship shared between brothers and/or sistersThey hoped a small age gap would strengthen the sibling bond.
additional expensesthe extra costs that come with a growing familyThey calculated the additional expenses of school fees and childcare.
childcare supporthelp from family, a nanny, or a daycare in raising childrenThey'd need more childcare support once the second baby arrived.
big sisteran older female sibling, especially from a younger child's perspectiveShe was excited about becoming a big sister.
jealousya feeling of resentment when attention shifts to someone elseA little jealousy is normal when a new baby arrives.
prepare her for the newsto gently introduce a child to an upcoming change before it happensThey decided to prepare her for the news slowly, over a few weeks.
expand the familyto have another child, growing the householdThey finally felt ready to expand the family.
hand-me-downsused baby items passed from an older child to a younger oneThey saved a lot using hand-me-downs from their first child.
maternity leavepaid time off work granted around the birth of a childPriya planned her maternity leave around her work deadlines.
weigh the pros and consto carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages of a decisionThey spent weeks weighing the pros and cons before deciding.
ready for the responsibilityemotionally and practically prepared to take on a dutyThey wanted to feel truly ready for the responsibility this time.
growing householda family that is increasing in sizeThey started looking for a bigger flat for their growing household.
in no rushnot feeling pressure to decide or act quicklyPriya said she was in no rush and wanted to wait another year.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

PriyaOur daughter keeps asking for a baby brother or sister to play with.

RahulI've noticed that too. Have you thought about when we should expand the family?

PriyaI have, but I'm a little worried about feeling stretched thin.

RahulWe could look into more childcare support if we do decide to go ahead.

PriyaWhat age gap do you think would work best for them as siblings?

RahulTwo or three years feels right — close enough for a strong sibling bond.

PriyaWe'll also need to prepare her for the news carefully.

RahulDefinitely — a little jealousy at first is normal, but we can handle it gently.

PriyaShould we talk to the doctor about family planning next month?

RahulYes, let's do that. I think we're ready for the responsibility.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What does "age gap" mean?

2. What does "sibling bond" refer to?

3. What does "stretched thin" mean?

4. What are "hand-me-downs"?

5. What does it mean to "expand the family"?

6. What does "in no rush" mean?

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