At what age did you have your first child?

[Mallory]

I'm just curious. Hanging around here for the past few years has given me the impression that people are starting families later in life than I did. But then that seems to be a national trend, so I probably shouldn't be surprised.

We had our first when I was 28, second when I was 32 and third when I was 36. And no, the spacing wasn't deliberate, that's just the way it worked out.

What about the rest of the parents here? When did you start your families?

 

[shivkala]

With our first, I was 21. I was 25 with our second, 26 with our third, and with the baby, I was 29.

 

[Ashu]

I havent had a baby yet, i know i want one, and what I want to name her, but I need to find someone to have it with first.

 

[Miss Chicken]

I was 19 when I had my first son in 1977, 22 when I had my second son in 1980, and 24 when my third and last son was born was born in 1982.

 

[Mallory]

Part of me wishes I had my children earlier in life, because I've enjoyed so much with them over the years. But part of me is glad I waited. Because I did I was able to buy my first home when my oldest was born, and it was a great place to raise kids.

 

[RoJoHen]

I can't wait to have kids! But I can't afford to have one now, so it's good that I don't.

 

[Gertch]

First at 39, second at 40. They are 15 mos apart.

I kind of feel the same Mallory. I always wanted kids and would have been glad to have them earlier. However, I feel I can devote more time and enjoy them much more at a later age.

 

[Emher]

I haven't yet, but I have two years left to beat my dad who was 26 when he and mom (who was 23) got me. Don't think I'm likely to beat seeing as techinacally I'm a virgin still, and in any case not looking to have kids for a long time.

 

[trampledamage]

I was 35 with the first and 37 with the second. We didn't deliberately wait that long, but there always seemed to be something that needed to happen first (mainly my confidence at attempting motherhood!) - in some ways I regret that, but I think it's all worked out for the best because little miss trampledamage was still very young when we moved to Canada.

Getting pregnant with young master trampledamage only three months after we arrived was not in the plan though...

 

[Aurian]

I was 23.. but turned 24 a month or so after.

 

[Misfit Toy]

First and only at 35.

 

[Mallory]

With our first, I was 21. I was 25 with our second, 26 with our third, and with the baby, I was 29.

I was 19 when I had my first son in 1977, 22 when I had my second son in 1980, and 24 when my third and last son was born was born in 1982.

I was 23.. but turned 24 a month or so after.

Well I feel better now. I was starting to think I was different than most people after that "Twenty somethings have it tough" thread.

I havent had a baby yet, i know i want one, and what I want to name her, but I need to find someone to have it with first.

What if the child is a he and not a her?

I kind of feel the same Mallory. I always wanted kids and would have been glad to have them earlier. However, I feel I can devote more time and enjoy them much more at a later age.

There's definitely something to be said for getting started later. People tend to gain maturity as they age, as well as some financial security. I'm glad I had mine when I did though, I'll be done with helping them with college before I retire which will be nice.

 

[Kestra]

I haven't had any yet. I'd like to have my first before 30, ideally, but I know that these things don't really go according to plan. I'm not ready for children now. We'd like to be in a slightly better place financially, and move to a house (rather than our townhome) before starting a family. We'd be okay right now, but I don't see any need to rush.

I only got married last July, too, and while many people seem to think I should already be pregnant, I'd rather wait and enjoy some time with my husband before adding someone else to the family.

Also I would have no idea what to do with an infant and would no doubt instantly head over to TBBS and demand advice from the whole lot of you.

 

[Roshi]

Definitely after 35...

 

[JonathonWally]

27 and no kids yet. Honestly haven't decided if I want to have any.

 

[SPOCKED]

31 years old. She will be 19 next month

 

[Scott Delaney]

29 when my son was born. I hit 30 only a couple months after that. He's 6 now.

 

[sidious618]

I'm 19 and have 10 kids. What can I say? I'm a productive person.

 

[Trippy]

^

One and only at 30. He'll be 11 in a couple of weeks!

 

[Bacl]

I turn 30 in a few months, and my wife turns 30 in the summer. Still no children, although we want them very badly.

We just can't afford it. We're both community college instructors, and can barely pay for our own healthcare, let alone provide acceptable healthcare for any potential children. There's also no chance in the near future of us being able to afford our own home, and we don't feel comfortable having kids while we are still renters.

So, no kids as of yet.