Did you wait to have children and wish you started sooner?

Question

This question is for mothers who waited to have children till they were in their late 20's, 30's and 40's.

Do you now wish you started earlier because you couldn't have as many children, or your pregnancy was more difficult?

Were you glad you waited or wish things had worked out so you could have had your children earlier than you did?

Why or why not?

Answer 1

I wish that I had married earlier because that's why I waited til have children and plus I wanted more children but time ran out but I am very thankful for the two that I have. The doctors say that the risk for deformities are higher when you get older.

Answer 2

I am 33 and my 21-month-old daughter is nursing on my lap as I write this :)

I am glad I waited. My husband is the right man for me to have children with, unlike the men I was with when I was in my young 20s (I married at 29). I had a lot of fun and freedom in my 20s, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything now that I am in what my husband and I lovingly refer to as "the parent trap."

A lot of the younger moms that I know (and I know a lot as I do a mommy's group in a military town) are good moms and they seem to have a lot of energy, but they seem to have more of a sense that they are missing out on life. I've already tasted what's out there and know I'm not missing out! Parenting has been a joy (even though my husband and I weren't sure we were ever going to have children).

My pregnancy was a breeze, although I think my recovery would have been faster had I exercised more and eaten less junk food. It seems like the younger moms recover more quickly from childbirth.

Being a parent requires a LOT of patience, especially when the process of training and discipline begins as infancy ends. SO MUCH PATIENCE. I am a much more patient person now than I ever was in my 20s.

The other thing is, my husband and I are both pretty mature now and our relationship has weathered some mighty big storms since our daughter was born, and I don't know if we would have handled it as well had we been younger and less experienced.

There's no one "right" age to have children, but I'm glad I was an "older" mom! And I know many women that have had several children in their 30s and 40s. It just depends on your circumstances.

Answer 3

I married my husband when I was 20, we decided to wait to have children because we both came from broken homes. We were happily married 7 years before we brought our Princess Veronica into this world. We couldn't be happier :) We had plenty of time to be young, stupid and broke (mostly just broke) But now we are a bit more financially stable and a little more grown up and I think better equipped to handle the stress that comes with raising children.

Answer 4

I was 27 and 29 and am happy with the age I had my kids. I don't believe I was really ready to be a mother when I first got married (way too young at 18). A lot of couples need time for themselves, time to have fun, be carefree, do what they want before the kids come and change things.

I was really ready to have my kids when I did and would not have wanted them earlier.

Answer 5

I wish I had not waited to have children. That phrase always sounds good, but in reality, younger parents are not as cautious and seem to have a different outlook on life. Older parents are more protective.

Answer 6

I had my first baby at 24- I was single, worked full time had my own apartment and *never- ever* had any assistance from the government or the father of the baby! So if you have accomplished all that you have and are ready to start a family, go for it! I would never change my situation for a minute! good luck!!

Answer 7

I have my son when I was 20. Now im 32. I wish I waited till I was stable and more mature.

Answer 8

I had my son at 24. I think it was a pretty good age. I'm young, so I can run around with him and keep up with him. Plus, at this age, the body can handle pregnancy and childbirth more easily. There are perks to being a young mom, even though, in today's society, we are sometimes looked at strangely.

Answer 9

I think it's best to have kids young so you can spend the last part of your life getting to know your husband all over again- falling in love all over again- and not have such a huge responsibility. Your kids will be grown as well.