Kate Winslet's kids have a "very special" dynamic yours may not

by

Sara McGinnis

posted in Celebrities

Kate Winslet's three children have a dynamic going on between them my two know nearly nothing about. The actress, whose kids were each born during separate relationships, recently opened up about her darlings, who range in age from 15 years to 22 months.

“Her brain works the same way that mine does now, which is brilliant,” the actress gushed to People while speaking about her teenage daughter, Mia. “I love a forward-thinking daughter.”

"My 15-year-old, she's so wonderful," the 40-year-old star continued. "She helps, and not only that but I see sides of me now coming out in her. She is incredibly helpful to me as a woman and as a parent. I'll say to her, 'Mims, can you please have Bear for the next hour? I'm just gonna grab a shower and I've got a couple of things I've got to do.' She's like, 'Yep, sure!'"

Kate added, "Children should play with each other, you know? And look after each other. That's really what we have, and it's very special."

Kate Winslet's son Joe is now 11, and her son Bear with husband Ned Rocknroll is 22-months-old. This wide age range means her family is quite a bit different than mine, as my two boys are only 20 months apart -- a fact which has both been pleasant and challenging over the years.

Around the time our firstborn got his smash cake I caught an intense bout of baby fever. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was actually pregnant at his first birthday party. Initially I loved having two under 2, and thought it only made sense to have my kids close together and interested in the same things at near the same time.

As life has a habit of doing, I've also been humbled on the subject numerous times. My way is, of course, not the only way and not necessarily even the best way. Having a 2 and 3-year-old underfoot at the very same time meant occasional simultaneous meltdowns, diapers in two sizes, and endless lessons on taking turns and sharing. The competition level between my two boys, to this very moment, is insane. Anything one can do the other swears he can do better.

I have to imagine this isn't the case when you've got a 15-year-old and 1-year-old sharing the same space, not to mention my eldest isn't anywhere near older enough than his little brother to be babysitting.

All the same, if I had it to do over again I probably wouldn't change much. I suppose I like my two going through stages at nearly the same space despite the chaos, but I also like hearing stories like Kate's and thinking about how different things could be.

What's the best thing about the age gap between your kids? The most challenging? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below!

Photos: PR Photos, INF

 

 

Sara McGinnis and her family are traveling the country by RV through the end of 2015. You’re invited to follow their journey via Instagram.