being a first time middle aged dad

[Sherlockian]

Originally Posted by holymadness

One thing is for sure: you'll be denying your grandkids a chance to know their grandparents. Most of mine died quite young and so I barely knew them, and no one in my family waited past 30 to have children.

This is a salient point for me. I was lucky to be very close to my paternal grandparents, and spent nearly every school holiday with them. They both lived well into their 80s, when I was in my 20s, and I am eternally grateful that I got to know them so well for so long.

 

[mccvi]

Originally Posted by romafan

I had mine just after I turned 43. You are (usually) in a better mental/emotional/fiscal state at this point in your life, but the downside, as mentioned, is the physical. That being said, everyone is different. I've met guys 10 years younger than me who I assumed were 5 years older.

If you're in decent shape you should be OK. At least where I am the trend is toward older parents, so you would not necessarily be out of place.
Well stated, just had mine at 39. Helps to have a wife that's younger and who works for living... that aside, I'm managing. As an aside (from the Manhattan slant on life) I told my doctor we were going to have a baby... and he genuinely replied "Oh, wow, a young dad." That shows you how skewed life is here.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by holymadness

I find this is quite an interesting post. Really puts things in perspective. "Over the hill" keeps getting pushed further and further back, but the life expectancy for men is still only 78 or so.

I couldn't imagine my father being 68 (!) at my HS graduation or 75+ (!) for my marriage.

One thing is for sure: you'll be denying your grandkids a chance to know their grandparents. Most of mine died quite young and so I barely knew them, and no one in my family waited past 30 to have children.

Originally Posted by Sherlockian

This is a salient point for me. I was lucky to be very close to my paternal grandparents, and spent nearly every school holiday with them. They both lived well into their 80s, when I was in my 20s, and I am eternally grateful that I got to know them so well for so long.

On the other hand, the alternative at that point is to deny your kids and grandkids a chance to be born . . .

 

[Baron]

I'm 42 and my son (first child) is 5 weeks old. It's been an incredible experience so far. I'm very close in age to many other parents of young children I know so I don't feel particulary old. I think it's fairly common to wait into one's 40's these days, at least on the coasts. I also know people my age that are grandparents so it's all relative. It may catch up to me when he's a teenager, but for now it's fantastic.

 

[Cleav]

I'm 45 and have two girls who are five and three.

Life didn't treat us well (several miscarriages) when we were younger and our friends were having their children, which made it difficult to accept, so to be blessed in this way later (!) in life is fantastic.

After all that it is truly great. All I get is "just wait till they get older, you'll get all the same **** we're getting now"! My response is that we are so much more mature and our children will grow up with fewer issues.

It may/or may not be true but it winds them up!

Enjoy, any age is a good age!

 

[Homme]

Originally Posted by Baron

I'm 42 and my son (first child) is 5 weeks old.

Had no idea man, congratulations!

 

[philosophe]

Congrats, Baron!

There was a wonderful thread a few years ago called something like "advice for a new dad." Readers of this thread would no doubt enjoy it.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by Baron

I'm 42 and my son (first child) is 5 weeks old. It's been an incredible experience so far. I'm very close in age to many other parents of young children I know so I don't feel particulary old. I think it's fairly common to wait into one's 40's these days, at least on the coasts. I also know people my age that are grandparents so it's all relative. It may catch up to me when he's a teenager, but for now it's fantastic.

congrats!

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by Baron

I'm 42 and my son (first child) is 5 weeks old. It's been an incredible experience so far. I'm very close in age to many other parents of young children I know so I don't feel particulary old. I think it's fairly common to wait into one's 40's these days, at least on the coasts. I also know people my age that are grandparents so it's all relative. It may catch up to me when he's a teenager, but for now it's fantastic.

That's exciting news, Baron. Congratulations!

 

[Baron]

Thanks everyone!