Spacing Kids at Least Two Years Apart Makes Older One Smarter

Older children who are born at least two years before a younger sibling's debut are smarter, according to research that is due to be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Human Resources. They score higher on math and reading tests than children born closer together. The findings are likely to be of interest to parents who are thinking about expanding their family. As it is, all you have to do is mention you're considering having another baby, and the advice starts pouring in: some people recommend having kids close together so they can be playmates; others suggest spacing them out so that the older child is more independent and able to pitch in and help by the time an infant arrives on the scene.

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