My sons are two years apart as well. They both have different outlooks on the sport. I did start them the same year meaning one was seven and the other nine, however younger brother had awesome first year. One thing to explain is that at least half the wrestlers your 7 year old goes against, has two more years experience than the wrestlers your 5 year is competing with. This might help put it in perspective for him. Now, with either son, I focus on their effort on the mat. Not the win or lose. Let's face it, if you want them to go anywhere with it, they have to love it. Hope this helps. My heart is with you because I have been there.