Poll: Older Parents - How old is too old?

How old is too old to have children?

  • 30s

    Votes: 17 4.0%

  • 40s

    Votes: 119 28.3%

  • 50s

    Votes: 200 47.5%

  • 60s

    Votes: 40 9.5%

  • Never too old

    Votes: 15 3.6%

  • Condoms, innit

    Votes: 11 2.6%

  • Pancake!

    Votes: 19 4.5%
  • Total voters
    421
In my early years I always thought I'd leave it late. However, first was born when I was 24 and I was kinda comfortable with having "served my time" by early 40s and I could get on with the rest of the my life.

Number 2 daughter came along when I was 34. I'll be mid 50s before there's any chance of the youngest getting out the door.

I have to say I feel more capable with the youngest at my age now then the eldest. Although the eldest was a little more hard work. Plus, I'm doing it solo this time around which in some ways is a hindrance but it has it's positives.
 
As a child of 'older' parents (my mum was 36 and 38 and my dad 40 and 42) when me and my younger sister was born (We have an elder sister who is 10yrs older than me). Growing up our parents were strict compared to my friends. Compared to friends our curfews were always really early and that sucked and that is my only real grumble.

My parents always had energy to do stuff with us and we always had a good upbringing. It was never really a bad thing. I think, as long as the kids are loved and you're in good health

My dad died 4yrs ago when I was 25 and he was 65 so he got to see us all grow up. However, tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Last week my friend passed away aged 29 from cancer. She leaves behind 5 children aged 10 down to 2. She wasn't too old to have children.
 
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ETanny said:
As a child of 'older' parents (my mum was 36 and 38 and my dad 40 and 42) when me and my younger sister was born (We have an elder sister who is 10yrs older than me). Growing up our parents were strict compared to my friends. Compared to friends our curfews were always really early and that sucked and that is my only real grumble.

My parents always had energy to do stuff with us and we always had a good upbringing. It was never really a bad thing. I think, as long as the kids are loved and you're in good health

My dad died 4yrs ago when I was 25 and he was 65 so he got to see us all grow up. However, tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Last week my friend passed away aged 29 from cancer. She leaves behind 5 children aged 10 down to 2. She wasn't too old to have children.
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Your post highlights how complicated this subject is, really. Looking at it statistically, I suppose you could say that more people die at 65 than at 29 but still... wow... that's a tough break on that family.
 
String said:
If you are earning above average salary, then you are financially ready.
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Some people earn above average but have huge debts and a high cost of living. I think for decisions like this it needs a more detailed analysis in terms of affordability.

Although that said poor people seem to manage to successfully bring up children so we probably overplay the financial card.

Looking at my personal situation we had a child at 33 and I think we perhaps should have done it a bit earlier, but it didn't happen (I didn't feel responsible enough to be a parent until I was 30, and then we had a miscarriage so it got delayed a couple of years).
 
About in the mid 40's. I have no kids myself and I am 33. I still have plenty of time if I change my mind but my older brother had his first at 41 and his second at 44. Then again his wife is 24.

Also many of my friends who had kids in their 20's are now single parents or have kids by different partners. I know poop can hit the fan relationship wise (or non with one woman I know) But I hate to bring up kids in a broken family, coming from one myself.
 
jonneymendoza said:
THIS.

once you have kids your life is over for at least 20 years afterwords
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Agreed, I don't think I have the patience/nerves for kids yet/ever.

my gf's mum had her when she was 47, my mum had my little brother when she was in her early 40s so I'd say 50/early 50's is where I'd stop.
 
mpledge52 said:
Me and the missus are due to have our first in the next month or so. We're both 30. I think we're in the a good position, but I do also feel like we've left it quite late, so I'm very surprised at people who are happy to wait into the 40's.

I wouldn't want to leave it that late personally. Not that I think because it's too old, but more to do with the increased risk of problems at that age.
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The thing is.

not everyone is blessed to find there soulmate at an early age.

It can take people up to age 30 and above to find there soulmate.

Also building a career takes time.

if you want to have a very good career you got to start that early at around 18 years of age and get a good 10 years experience.

The thing is not everyone jumps out of uni/school straight into there dream job. some only even find there dream job mid 20's these days and if you start your career at 25 or over? thats another wait.

Earliest is 30 i reckon.
 
grudas said:
Agreed, I don't think I have the patience/nerves for kids yet/ever.

my gf's mum had her when she was 47, my mum had my little brother when she was in her early 40s so I'd say 50/early 50's is where I'd stop.
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yup. its not easy raising kids. There are many things you cant achieve and do because of kids.

Career wise you should at least have that set in stone.

Plus for me i do want to travel and experience the world a bit more(im 32) as you only live once.

I will have kids one day no doubt but maybe 5-7 years with my current GF if all goes well.
 
Had my eldest when I was 35 and youngest when I was 38, I didn't want kids when I was younger and getting everything out of my system and I don't think I'd want kids now at 43, although having two already who keep me very occupied (tired!) probably sways that opinion somewhat.
 
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