I think having older parents is hard because they dont understand trends and whats in and it would be hard for them to keep up with the demanding schedule of a toddler/teen and all stages in between. When I was in school there was a girl whos' parents were in their 60's and she was by far the trendiest person. She was called a geek. She dressed old fashioned. She was unkept in her appearance. She looked like she didnt know anything about fashion, or being cool. She never wore makeup or jewelry. I remember seeing her in the store one time and I saw her walking with her parents and I thought they were her grandparents, til she stopped me in the store to introduce me to them. I felt bad for her.

A-Always
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corinab.ca@gmail.com

My mom and dad were 18 and 21 when they had me, I was 30 and dh 31 when my first was born, and I feel like we are old parents.  He wants another, I will be 37 this August and told him no way.  My parents were the fun parents, but there is no way I could have had kids at that age.  I was just not ready.  My ex's mom was 42 when she had him and he said it really sucked having old parents, and his dad died when he was 2.

One of my best friend's parents were older.  The only difference was they were a little more strict than some parents.  Well not really too much more strict than mine but in some ways they reminded me of my granparents just because her mom catered to her dad much more than my parents - his attitude reminded me of my grandpa's attitude of "men's work - women's work".  But I really liked her parents - they were super nice.  But sometimes it was hard when we wanted to do things and her dad said no.  Like when we wanted to drive to Cedar Point the day after prom ( a three hour drive ) and her dad said no way even though we were going to be there and back the same day.  He said he was afraid we would get too tired driving but with four of us no one would have even had to drive a full hour at a time if we switched it up and even she said he just didn't want her to go.  Other than that I don't think her life was much different than anyone elses. 

I don't see anything wrong with it. I would not want to wait that late to have kids because I still want to be alive to enjoy my grandkids (If I have any). However, as long as a child has a loving home and nurturing upbringing, then by all means populate the earth!!

~Kimmy- mom of 2~

Sure, a 60 year old Dad may not be able to keep up to their son/daughter, but some days I barely feel that i can keep up with my kids and I am not even 40.  The sad part I think for me would be that parent not  being their kids for the big milestones; marriage, kids, grandkids.  I just hope that older parents that have multiple kids so that siblings will always have each other when their parents pass on.

And now a few words from the other side....Both my husband and I are older parents - I was a few months shy of 43 and he was nearly 41 when our boys were born, now they're almost 6.  They are our only children.  I may not have the ability to chase them down, but I can outthink them!  I feel we are more patient now then we would have been if we'd had the boys even 10 years ago.  Economically, we were better prepared for children.  Both of us accomplished a great deal prior to getting married so we really don't have "what-ifs" to worry about.  We have both traveled extensively before the kids were born, both on our own and together.  Our most exciting trips were to South Africa and London before kids, now a trip to Disney in Florida seems really exciting. 

I figure that if my kids are late bloomers like their dad and me, by the time they get around to having children I'll be in a lovely nursing home.  I keep telling them that they can't get married until they are at least 35, have graduated college and gotten established in a career, traveled and have done the things they've dreamed about, since once kids come along  THEY come first.

I find this dicussion amusing... I married an older man (18 years older)  he is nealry 45 and our son is nearly 2.    My thoughts....

   My husband is a much better father, husband and provider now than he ever would have been at 20-36.  He was aweekend drinker, was unable to earn fair wages (dispite steady employment), He had little life expearience and everyb it count wiht men, as you well know LOL.  He is now bordering on "home body", sees alchole much differently (a negative in life and relatonships, almost never drinks.),is now well know in his feild with an excellent reputation which has landed him a great job almost 4 time what he earned 20 years ago! 

As far as understanding trends, and a difference in values go: I'm 25 and I feel that a man should do the heavy lifting, every relationship has roles. No, my husband will not understand our sons trends.. but heck neither will I !!!  I was concerned about his health I didn't want my children to loose thier dad at a young age but my doctor assured us that is was me that we ahd to worry about!  besides there is no way to perdict how long someone will love or if they could ahve an accident....  The unexpected and uncontrolled events in the world and more importantly how they are handled by the adults in our life is what shapes us... and can be a lesson not a loss.

I do not worry about energy level because most days I fell at least 40...my mother defitently has more energy than me and let's face it older Dads probably do about as much work as any Dad wigh is about 10 % of what Moms do! LOL

Call me selfish but I would rather Me and my children have a wonderfull man in our life for a few great years than to settle for a young one for 75 years!