Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:As several posters have said, it's important to consider how you will feel on the other side of 18 years. Really, more like 22 years. I know many active 62-66-year-olds who are full of energy, but I think I'd be exhausted if I were still in the "active" parenting years at that age.
What "active" parenting do you do for a teen-to-22 yo? Drive them to activities? Talk to them? Help with school? None of this is particularly "active". It's not like they fall on the floor in the store and need to be carried to the car, or fight car seat and diaper changes. It certainly requires mental energy, but truth be told, I am a lot smarter and self aware in my 50s than I was in my 20s-30s. But maybe I am missing something active?
I don't view "active" as only meaning physical activity, which is why I put the word in quotes. I'm a lot smarter and self-aware, as well, but I'm also more tired mentally and physically than I was in my late 20s - early 30s. I'm involved in the care for two sets of aging parents, I work full-time, and I want to have mental and physical energy for my kids, spouse, friends, volunteer work, and fun. I'm envious of those who have the same energy in their late 50s that they did when they were younger, but I am not one of those people!