Honestly: is 41 too old to have a baby?

[Anonymous]

I had my 2nd when I was 36. Considered having another around 38/39. It never even dawned on me that I was getting "too old" to have a baby. It depends on the person, but in general, I don't think that 41 is too old to have a baby.

I'm 50 now and that ship has sailed. I just can not see myself having to deal with a newborn or small child right now. We got a puppy recently and the middle of the night potty training was rough for me. I just do not do well with interrupted sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand all the negative and mean comments on this thread. Having children is a blessing that you cannot plan. You may get lucky in having children at the age you want who are healthy and thriving, but that's all it is...luck.

Most people on this thread have more planning in their lives, not oops, I had a baby, how? The thread asks for opinions and some gave theirs -- that 40s is too old to have a baby. Its not mean, its an opinion -- or a life story. So many of the replies do not really address the question --" I had my baby at 37, now hes 3 and its fine." That's not having a baby in your 40s. That's having a baby in your 30s.

I think that many of us can look back and realize that there just isn't a huge difference between 37 and 40. Many of us had pregnancy scares at 40 and had to think through this for ourselves. Some women had babies at 40+. It does seem that most agree that 41 isn't too old but late (maybe even mid) 40's is a different story.

[Anonymous]

All I can say is: Having a baby at 41 is nothing. Having a 10 year old at 51 and a 16 year old at 57 will knock you over

[Anonymous]

I'm the child of older parents and hate it. My father died when I was a teenager and my mother is still alive but unfortunately has some age-related conditions. It's overwhelming having to take care of my toddler and my mother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All I can say is: Having a baby at 41 is nothing. Having a 10 year old at 51 and a 16 year old at 57 will knock you over

I'm 50 with a 13 year old and a 15 year old and they are actually really good and easy kids. It was hard when they were little I will not lie but now...they are awesome.

[Anonymous]

NP here: What about if you already have three kids? I have an 8 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old and turn 41 in December. Is it too late for me to go for the fourth child, or does it feel easier / harder if they are on the tail end of the family?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here: What about if you already have three kids? I have an 8 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old and turn 41 in December. Is it too late for me to go for the fourth child, or does it feel easier / harder if they are on the tail end of the family?

You are much better qualified to answer that question than I am - you have 3 young kids do you have the time and energy for a 4th?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I definitely feel like I do now. But, what about when (like PP said), you're 51 with a 10 year old. Is it easier because you've already BTDT with three other kids? Or harder because everything feels harder?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All I can say is: Having a baby at 41 is nothing. Having a 10 year old at 51 and a 16 year old at 57 will knock you over

I'm 50 and my son is 8. My daughter is 12.

I run with my daughter. My husband plays BB with my son.

can't say that I'm "knocked over" - still at my college weight, too - And I looked pretty good in my 20s!

I think these generalizations are ridiculous and ignorant. We live in a nice home in a fantastic school cluster on 2 acres. I couldn't have given my children this life 20 years ago. Furthermore, you plan (pension, investments, college fund, long-term health, life insurance).

And as a teacher, I'm home with my kids all summer.

My kids are happy and not entitled. We can raise them well b/c we've been through it all!

Don't pretend to speak for everyone - especially if you're not an older parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I definitely feel like I do now. But, what about when (like PP said), you're 51 with a 10 year old. Is it easier because you've already BTDT with three other kids? Or harder because everything feels harder?

i think it depends on the kids. My own kids are good, honor roll, healthy, happy, fun to be around people. If I had 2 more like them my life would only be more enriched (even if my bank account was less). If any of them were handfuls or simply had significant issues of some sort I'm sure that my energy would be sapped pretty quickly.

[Anonymous]

If I could have, I would have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the child of older parents and hate it. My father died when I was a teenager and my mother is still alive but unfortunately has some age-related conditions. It's overwhelming having to take care of my toddler and my mother.

Ungrateful bitch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the child of older parents and hate it. My father died when I was a teenager and my mother is still alive but unfortunately has some age-related conditions. It's overwhelming having to take care of my toddler and my mother.

Ungrateful bitch.

Narcissist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can say is: Having a baby at 41 is nothing. Having a 10 year old at 51 and a 16 year old at 57 will knock you over

I'm 50 and my son is 8. My daughter is 12.

I run with my daughter. My husband plays BB with my son.

can't say that I'm "knocked over" - still at my college weight, too - And I looked pretty good in my 20s!

I think these generalizations are ridiculous and ignorant. We live in a nice home in a fantastic school cluster on 2 acres. I couldn't have given my children this life 20 years ago. Furthermore, you plan (pension, investments, college fund, long-term health, life insurance).

And as a teacher, I'm home with my kids all summer.

My kids are happy and not entitled. We can raise them well b/c we've been through it all!

Don't pretend to speak for everyone - especially if you're not an older parent.

You keep telling yourself that, Grandma

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can say is: Having a baby at 41 is nothing. Having a 10 year old at 51 and a 16 year old at 57 will knock you over

I'm 50 and my son is 8. My daughter is 12.

I run with my daughter. My husband plays BB with my son.

can't say that I'm "knocked over" - still at my college weight, too - And I looked pretty good in my 20s!

I think these generalizations are ridiculous and ignorant. We live in a nice home in a fantastic school cluster on 2 acres. I couldn't have given my children this life 20 years ago. Furthermore, you plan (pension, investments, college fund, long-term health, life insurance).

And as a teacher, I'm home with my kids all summer.

My kids are happy and not entitled. We can raise them well b/c we've been through it all!

Don't pretend to speak for everyone - especially if you're not an older parent.

Trying to sell YOURSELF how great it is?