late in life parents, Young children

[cruisindub]

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better parent now then I would have been  in my 20s or 30s. It is the quality of parenting that matters, age is irrelevant.

I agree.
If we could have kids before, Im not sure I would have been the best parent when I was in my 20s or early 30s.
Theres no way I would have the life experiences I have now, and can share and educate my children properly and correctly when I was younger.
I was probably not the best 20s year old, let alone being a father at that age.
Safe, stable, secure and balanced, were probably not the best way to describe me at a younger age, whereas now, its probably a better home and family environment to raise children.
I knew I was not fit to have children at a younger age.

[brickiematt]

I reckon if the kids are raised in a loving and caring environment, it doesn't matter what age you have them.

We had our eldest when we were both 21 (missus was pregnant for her 21st!), now we're 37 with 16 and 12 year old daughters.

Are we better parents now than when they were born? Probably, but as they get older the style and challenges of parenting change. It's a bloody steep learning curve with a newborn no matter what your age

Also, I can remember very well what 16 year old boys are like

There is no hard and fast rule for what age is best to become a parent, when the time's right, it's right, whenever that is.

 

[McGirr]

I think it depends what you want in life. Do you want kids early so that you can travel when they hopefully leave home or would you prefer to do this and then have kids.

One thing I know people who have kids understand the hardships in life rather then people who never have kids.

Mark

[Foo]

If I had my time again, I would have them before 30yrs of age.

Foo

[Swannie]

I think it depends what you want in life. Do you want kids early so that you can travel when they hopefully leave home or would you prefer to do this and then have kids.

One thing I know people who have kids understand the hardships in life rather then people who never have kids.

Mark

Very true Mark, We had our first son at 24 as we decided that we wanted to be young parents. He's now 10 and I have another 2 who are 8&2. Our friends are all now starting their families, have paid more of the mortgage and travelled where we are not just in a position to. I wouldn't change the way we decided but see advantages to starting a family early and later. Financially it was bloody tough.
Swannie

[cancan]

I had my first when I was 40 followed by number 2 when I was 42.... my younger brother has grand children older than mine. .... have never had anyone say I was to old. .. maybe that is because I still look young and dashing. ... now where did I leave my beer

[swanny]

Good discussion, i am 46 and my wife is 39, we are both very proud parents to our son Sam, who is 5, and our daughter, Neve, who is 18 months.

I would have to say that i was a bit apprehensive about it all, given my age, but also being around long enough to see them grow up and be happy.

We are both young at heart, so i think, its your business what you do, bugger what others think, and for what its worth, i would certainly let the idiot/idiots know exactly how i felt if i was to hear that sort of crap.

Swanny

[BigJules]

I've got two kids; a 9yo from my first marriage and a 21 month old. We're keen for another but I seemed to be away at the opportune moment for most of this year. I love being a dad, have always wanted a swag of kids but have put a time limit on another.

Good parents are good parents, no matter their age. I do encourage folks I know to have their kids younger, only so they get more time with them but I wouldn't begrudge anyone the joy of being a parent. Or all the stuff that sucks too .

[Bill]

One thing I know people who have kids understand the hardships in life rather then people who never have kids.

Mark

Sorry sir I have to disagree.
I'm one of twelve kids and at last count I had 27 nieces and nephews, and I would do anything for any of my family.
I also have 2 grown (now) step children.
I do not think that just because I have no kids of my own means I don't understand the hardships in life. Rather my understandings of the hardships in (my) life are what made me decide I never wanted children of my own.
Bill

[evolution]

I think allot of people blow this out of proportion. I mean come ON!
 Just because your older than some other parents,
Does that mean you won't love your children any more or any less than others?
Does that mean that you can't provide for your family?
Does that mean that you can't be there when they need you?
OF COURSE NOT!

Every family in Australia is different, with different values and morals and structure. What works for one, may not work for another.
I think for another person to put down another in relation to how their family is structured is just plain rude!

This sort of behaviour really gets me a little wound up because they are judging someone For something that is completely irrelevant!
Clearly the parents can shrug it off and have a laugh about how insecure the person must have been to say something like that, but what about the children?
What if they overhear what is said? why should they have to learn at such a young age that some other people are MO*#NS!

I wish every parent, young or old the best.

Cheers
Evo