Is 26 too young for a man to become a first time dad?

Question

We are expecting our first baby and my husband will become a first time dad at 26. He wants to have our second and last child before he turns 30 years old.

Most of his friends are in their 30's and 40's and didn't become dads until they were a lot older than 26. He says he feels like the "young" dad in his group of friends.

Is 26 really too young for a man to become a first time dad?

I think it's a good age, not too young and not too old! :)

Answer 1

A man could be too immature at 40 for a child and mature enough at 19 for a child.

I really wanted to have my children in my 20s (though that isn't quite going to happen). When you have children younger, you get them out of the house earlier! LOL

If you are ready for kids, then go for it!

Answer 2

No not at all. I think any age can be good as long as you are ready. For instance if you are 22 and you are done partying and you are married, then what's the problem. I myself just turned 26, and I would love to have kids (I want all my kids before 32). But I know right now would be a bad time for me. Only because of money issues. I am mentally, physically and emotionally ready. But I would not be able to provide for my child. So I am waiting. So don't worry about age, look on the bright side, when you son or daughter is 30 and having kids, your husband will be 56 and still young enough to enjoy and play with his grand kids.

Answer 3

Age is just a number and you’re only as old as your feel. Maturity is what really matters. My husband was 23 years old when we had our son, (I was 22!) some if not most would say that is young. We had been married for almost 2 years, and together for almost 6! (We met at ages 16 & 17)! We owned a house and had 2 cars that were paid for! Although we didn’t finish college we have done exceptionally well in supporting ourselves! My husband has done exceptionally well in his role as a father. However I have friends in their early to mid 30's that probably should have waited longer...or had kids earlier before they became too self-centered! And respectively friends that had children, unplanned far too early!!!

You should have children when you are in a loving stable relationship (married) and are excited about what it means to be a parent and ready to embrace all the hard work & sacrifice. There is no magic number that works for everyone!


How exciting for you!!!

Answer 4

I think it is perfect too. And if you are trying for a child most likely then you are both ready which makes it even more perfect.

I was 24 and my husband 26 and we were trying for our fist and being prepared and wanting a baby makes all of the difference.

We feel young still too and have the energy to spend time, play and raise our children.

Perfect age. I'm almost 32 and to just start now I feel like I would be way too exhausted.

Answer 5

I'm 26 (turn 27 in September), and I am getting married in June. My fiance and I have dated for 2 years, and have been living together for a year, so we want to have kids as soon as we get married. I think it's a fine age. A lot of my friends are in the mid 20's to 40's range and a lot of them either had kids at my age or even before.

Answer 6

It really doesn't make any difference now does it?He is going to be a Dad. My ex-Husband was 26 and I was 25 when we had our first child.If he wants his last child by the time he is 30 then how can he be to young at 26 to have his 1st child?

Answer 7

It depends on the dad - my dad was 23 when I was born, and he was fabulous! My husband was 27 when our son was born, and he is great too - but probably wouldn't have been ready at 23. It isn't age that determines the ability to be a good parent - it is the important things like patience, love, and understanding that will carry you far. Younger parents may have an easier time keeping up with their kids as they grow, and may be a little less set in their ways and better able to "go with the flow" and not be upset by the changes a little one can bring. Congratulations and good luck to you both!

Answer 8

Being a father makes you grow up REALLY quick. But once he sees that baby, his life with totally change and lets hope he is ok with that. Some men are fathers at 35 and arent ready for it, yet some men become fathers at 20 and it is the most exciting day of their lives to know that this little person, this little life, is dependant on you and him for the rest of their lives. A lot of pressure I know but well worth it. I never believed it when people would tell me but you will love harder and deeper than anything you could even possibly imagine. Your life will be diapers and kisses all in one diaper change, spit ups and hugs all in one bottle feeding. Look forward to the change and your husband will be a great dad. I do know from experience that ALL men are nervous (per my husband) we had our first at 28 and we were both mentally, physically and monitarily prepared and he was still nervous. Your husband will be just fine! Congrats!

Answer 9

26 is not too young, i think its ok to have kids at any age(well not under 19) as long as you can support the child.

i want kids when i'm in my 20's because if i had a child when i was 30, i would be 40 when my child is 10. i wouldnt want to be the old mom.

Answer 10

Age is really about "mental preparedness" in my opinion. I would say that 26 is not too old/too young. As long as he is ready for the responsibility then he shouldn't feel like he "doesn't belong". Heck, he will have a lot more energy to give your child given his age compared to his older friends! Congrats!