random Q - what makes you happy about being an "older" parent?

racampbell1

I was chatting w/the cashier at Trader Joes this weekend (after she carded me and made my day) and I commented that I am now old enough to have had a child that would be legal age by now if I'd had them really young (I'm 38) and SHE said she was 37 and did have a child of legal age!  Then she said that she had her second at 30 and it was so much nicer (in her opinion) because she was so much more patient with #2.   

For me, it made me think about the positives of being an "older" parent - I am happy that I got to travel and be selfish for so many years because now I am happy as a clam to just be with my sweet girl and my hubby.  Even if its laying on the couch in my jammies all day like yesterday  

mtnrider

Good thread.  For me, I think being older makes me a more relaxed parent.  I let him eat off the floor and wear different colored socks and run around diaperless (although because of the eating off floors and running around peeing I do wash my floors almost every day!). I was much more uptight in my 30s and I think that creates neurotic kids.  My dogs were raised by the old me and they are neurotic and have major separation anxiety.

Puckchick07

Happy that I feel good with where I'm at. If I had Fiona 10 years earlier, I would still be thinking what if? I did some traveling, clubbing, soul searching and I feel great being a parent at 38. I'm not questioning my path in life. Plus, she keeps me active and I think I'm more likely to take better care of myself because I want to be around for her when she's my age.

stever

More patience, none of the resentment I would have felt had I had him earlier and a general sense of feeling, IDK, ready.

BrideBuddies

In my 20s and 30s, I worked in television news so I moved to different parts of the country, met so many awesome friends and just experienced life.   By my mid-30s, I was in a mindset to settle down and stop all that movement. 

I don't think I'd appreciate things as much as I do now if I'd settled down with a family when I was much younger.

Plus, I think I earned the right to stay at home and raise my kid.   Earlier, I'd not be in the financial position to do that. 

NewMrs07

I have a lot more patience than I did in my 20s. And I have a better understanding of what it takes to be a good parent and how difficult it actually is. And I don't take having a child for granted, I appreciate the blessing it is and am grateful for Adrian every single day.

Daisiesinmygarden

I did have babies as a young mom and I know I am much more patient now. I appreciate each phase she is in instead of being so excited for the next one. I am more relaxed but every bit as smitten as I was with my boys.

ateytelb

I actually do have a child of "legal" age, and I am more neurotic now with my LO's than I was with her then. What makes me happy now is that I am not stuck in a bad relationship and struggling financially as I was then. This allows me to focus on my LO's more and appreciate them more.

fiazo

I am a better mom because I am happy. 15 years ago I was a depressed soul. I am so glad I waited & didn't make the mistake of marrying or having a child with someone I thought I loved. I am a perfect example of "good things come to those who wait". Took me forever to find the right guy, took me forever to get pregnant, made me appreciate it all the more. My family is my life & I am content most of the time doing nothing but staying home taking care of them. Got it all out of the way when I was younger, learned from it & moved on. Now I am devoted to our life.

SFAug07

Makes me happy to have a child with the man I love and to have him be the father of my child. I just didn't have that opportunity when I was younger. I wouldn't want to be married or have kids with the guys I was together with in my 20s and early 30s.

Piranha54

I agree many if not most of the sentiments in the pp - more relaxed about parenting and willing to accept that some things might not work for Ellie.  And being content with where I am in life - I've gotten to travel, etc. and live the single life and this is where I want to be.  Not that I don't still plan on traveling, but it's going to be different. 

vanverth

I enjoy Michael now rather than worrying about what is going to happen next.  I think that I take him not being perfect is ok.  Also my carreer does not need that much of my attention as it did when I was younger.