I had my first child last year, a few months after I’d turned 45. I gave birth at an age when many of my friends were sending their first-borns off to college. Admittedly, for some of them, their first-borns may have been the result of poor planning or an “oops!” moment. Still, my husband and I (though he is six years younger than me) are taking on new parenthood at a time when most parents our age are looking ahead to diapering their first grandchild, not their own newborn.
I agree! Although I had my child when I was 32 years old, I feel that I was better prepared than if I would’ve had him at 22, for instance. Wisdom, in many instances, comes with time and being an older parent could make for a wiser one as well.
well, i really felt it was a super advantage to have my child older, for all the reasons listed. i was so happy and felt i was a much better mom at 40 then i could have ever been at 25. however now i am 57 and my son is 16 and he hates that we are older, most of his friends parents are in there early 40’s or late 30’s and we are as old as their grandparents. he said his kids won’t have any grandparens because we either will be gone or to old to have fun with them. he also hates being an only child
Marei – I worry about the exact same things your son expresses. My parents were also older when they had me, so I only knew two grandparents, both of whom died when I was relatively young. But, we are all living longer, more active lives than our parents did, too, so I try to stay optimistic (and well-rested ;>). Thanks for reading and commenting.
I had my daughter at 37 and I do see a difference in my parenting as opposed to younger moms. I hate generaliztions, however I do not feel I would have not been as patient if I had my daughter in my early twenties. I recently went to visit a relative on a Saturday night, all 3 of her daughters are moms and in their twenties. They dropped off the kids at her house so they could go out and have a good time. Apparently grandma babysits all 4 kids under the age of 5 every weekend. I don’t have the need to go out to clubs, been there, done that. I enjoy spending my weekends with my daughter and planning fun family activities. Once a month I go out and hire a babysitter or switch off babysitting duties with other parents.
First of all, congratulations for your baby! It was very interesting for me to read your post, as I had my child at 43. However, my vision of being an older mom was quite different, not as positive as yours, as I explained in my blog: http://espanol.babycenter.com/blog/mamas/ser-mama-despues-de-los-40/
Thanks for helping me see the brighter side. I still would have liked to have my baby when I was a bit younger, but I realize everything happens for a reason, and I’m thrilled to be a mom, even if an older one
Isrida – I read your blog and it is very honest, and I agree with much of what you have to say. I too wish I’d gotten an earlier start, but we have to play the cards fate deals us, I suppose! I already look at my daughter and worry that I won’t get to see her grow into a mature woman or have children of her own. But maybe I will – we can always hope!