The Advantages of Having Children in Your Mid-to-Late 30s

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), one in every 5 babies is born to a woman 35 years and older. Moreover, from 2012 to 2013, the number of births, from women between 35 and 39 years old, increased three percent.

The number of women, who are having children in their mid-to-late 30s is steadily increasing each year, however, that does not mean that it is “easy” to become pregnant or stay pregnant during the later fertility years. In fact, women, who have children in their 30s, tend to have a higher risk of miscarriage and birth defects, however, women of all ages can experience those same complications. Although, having children later in life can accompany complications, it can also bring immense joy. In other words, there are some noteworthy advantages to having children in your mid-to-late 30s. If you are in your 30s and want have a baby - get rid of the proverbial “ticking time clock” and research your options. Are you interested in learning more about the advantages of having children in your mid-to-late 30s? If so, you have come to the right place. This article will enlighten you to the joys of having children later in life.  Listed below are the advantages of having children in your mid-to-late 30s:   

Wisdom

Truth-be-told, older moms tend to be wiser than younger moms. Why? Well, because they have lived longer, which means they have experienced more. In other words, they have probably traveled to different places, experienced losses, made both good and bad decisions, and/or witnessed life at its best and worst. These women, in general, have a broader view of what could, and most likely will happen. For instance, a mom in her mid-to-late 30s may be better at discerning effective and ineffective parenting strategies, than some moms in their late teens or 20s. Young moms may not have the wherewithal to accurately apply the best parenting strategies, or make the best parenting decisions. Why? Well, younger people tend to have a different perspective on life, love, working, and even parenting. Younger moms tend to go with trends, while older moms tend to go with their mom’s old home remedies or parenting practices, which worked for them when they were children.

Financial Stability

Another advantage of having children in your mid-to-late 30s is financial stability. In other words, older moms have the advantage of having worked for a while (i.e. establishing their careers). They have also had an opportunity to save for the arrival of their children (i.e. baby needs, housing, healthcare, day care, private schools, college tuition, etc.). By the mid-to-late 30s, most women are married, own their own homes, and have a good sense of what they want and need in life – which at that time may be children.  These women have already climbed the ladder, so to speak, in their careers, and are 100% ready to become a parent.

Some older moms decide to stay at home with their child, while others continue to work, but either way, they are faced with fewer financial burdens (i.e. poverty and/or debt). In addition, older moms that decide to return to work have the luxury of finding a really good daycare for their children. Younger moms, on the other hand, may just be starting out, be single, and be struggling to find a “good job” and/or attend college. Note: Both younger and older moms can be excellent parents. Children do not care how old their moms are – all they want is someone, who provides from them, supports them, and loves them unconditionally. 

Support

Another benefit of having children later in life is that you probably have a strong support network. In other words, you will most likely have a readily available supply of relatives and friends, who cannot watch to spoil your children. And, better yet, most of these supportive people probably have older children or adult child. Moreover, they may be retired, which means more time to spend with your children (i.e. babysitting, amusement parks, Chucky Cheese visits, etc.). Not a bad deal! It is important to note that many young moms also have strong support systems.

Hand-Me-Downs & Advice

Yes, a mighty fine benefit of having children in your mid-to-late 30s is that you probably have access to a million hand-me-downs, which is always a good thing. All of your friends, relatives, and even strangers are willing to give you both parenting suggestions and hand-me-downs. In fact, these individuals can’t wait to shower you with advice, and/or “clothes that their own children only wore once or twice.” Because many of your friends and relatives have probably already had their children, your children always have what they need. Young moms, however, may struggle to find hand-me-downs and advice. Why? Well, because all of their friends and relatives may also be young, and stumbling through parenthood, just like them.

Rebirth

Rebirth? Yes, when you have children later in life, you experience a rebirth. In other words, you are able to “go back to your childhood” and/or live life vicariously through your children. When was the last time you went to an amusement park and rode a roller coaster or spent the day eating pizza and playing games at Chucky Cheese? I bet it has been awhile. Well, as an older mom, you get to relive those happy childhood memories with your children. And, because it has been so long since you have been able to “live like a child,” it probably means more to you now than it would if you had experienced parenthood earlier.

Perception

Lastly, having children in your mid-to-late 30s provides you with a more “seasoned” perspective on life, love, and parenthood. When you are young, you see things differently than when you are older. Things that made sense and seemed logical when you were younger, no longer make sense now. Decisions that you thought were wise in your 20s may no longer appear wise now that you are in your 30s. Your current perceptions have been influenced by life experiences. You are not the same person you used to be. But, hopefully, you make better decisions now that you have “matured.”

- Dr. R. Y. Langham

References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Children. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov

Huff Post. (2014). The benefits of having kids In your 30s: You'll live longer than the 20-somethings. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/06/26/the-benefits-of-having-kids-when-youre-older-30s_n_5532426.html

Kever, J. (2008). Big benefits seen in motherhood later in life. Chron. Retrieved from http://www.chron.com/life/article/Big-benefits-seen-in-motherhood-later-in-life-1638655.php