Age when you had your first child?

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

#1 at 19 (Christmas day, three weeks shy of my 20th birthday which was her due date!) #2 at 20, #3 at 21, and now number four on the way at 24. This will be my last baby as I am getting a tubal ligation during my c-section. My husband is much older, so I think that made things easier. He is somewhat traditional (chauvinistic) in his beliefs so I was able to stay home with my children which was a big help. He also encourages my education, and only expects me to work as many hours as I want so I have a pretty easy job of it. Having children is difficult, and being home with them all the time is nerve racking. I find my patience wearing thin with my almost four year old, which is sad. Perhaps if I were older I could tolerate her behaviors more, but I will never know. I love my children, I love being a mom, and I would not have done it any other way. PLUS, when I am in my early fourties they will (God willing) be out of the nest! I'll still be young enough to... I don't know...go back to school for yet another degree!

Janinern84 · Dec 4, 2005

I had my son 8 months ago. I am 21, pregnant at 19, delivered him at 20. I think it was a bad time for me because I was jus starting nursing school. but now, i'm graduating in may with my RN! So, it worked out foer the best! I wasn't ready, but made myself ready...the father, he was 21 and still is not ready haha. I dont think he will ever be...

So that's my motivation...someone's gotta do it. Plus he's my love :)

rn/writer, RN · Dec 4, 2005

#1 at 19 (Christmas day, three weeks shy of my 20th birthday which was her due date!) #2 at 20, #3 at 21, and now number four on the way at 24. This will be my last baby as I am getting a tubal ligation during my c-section. My husband is much older, so I think that made things easier. He is somewhat traditional (chauvinistic) in his beliefs so I was able to stay home with my children which was a big help. He also encourages my education, and only expects me to work as many hours as I want so I have a pretty easy job of it. Having children is difficult, and being home with them all the time is nerve racking. I find my patience wearing thin with my almost four year old, which is sad. Perhaps if I were older I could tolerate her behaviors more, but I will never know. I love my children, I love being a mom, and I would not have done it any other way. PLUS, when I am in my early fourties they will (God willing) be out of the nest! I'll still be young enough to... I don't know...go back to school for yet another degree!

Your kids' ages match up with my first four and MY ages when I had them. I, too, was a stay-at-home mom and sometimes I felt like my head was spinning so hard it would fly into space. I loved my kids (and still do) to distraction, but those early years were a challenge. My husband is only a year older than I am, but, like yours, he was very supportive, helped with the kids, and was extremely in favor of my going back to school. We couldn't swing it until I was in my mid-thirties and even then, with a houseful of teens (we had two more after the first four), there were days when I thought my brain would turn to mush and leak out my ears.

The kids are all pretty well launched now. My husband and I are still together, and it's like we're the newlyweds we didn't have much time to be way back when. Having the kids close together has allowed them to be really good friends as well as siblings.

Feel free to PM me if you ever need a word of encouragement from someone who's been there and lived to tell about it.

You have my prayers for a safe and successful delivery. When is your due date?

Take care,

devi, ADN, BSN · Dec 5, 2005

I had my only child (boy) at 18. Was I ready? Heck, no! But I loved being a mom from the beginning and still do.

Part of me wants to have another in a few years, but I'm reluctant to start over again at square one. After all, the silver lining to having children so young is that you're still young once they're grown, right? Besides, my significant other is several years older than me and may not be up for it by the time I am again. However, I'm seriously considering being a surrogate for someone else someday.

Although (of course) I'd never change my own life, I personally think early 30's is a great time to start a family. Most people are more stable financially, maritally, etc. by then.

shukry · Dec 5, 2005

1st = 27

(I have 3 children). I wish I started earlier, I am struggling with young ones now, and going to school again.

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

#1-I was 18

#2-I was 20

#3-I was 21

Staric · Dec 5, 2005

:)

1st= 29

2nd=32.........

Perfect time for my husband and I.. I was able to save up 9 and then 15 weeks of maternity leave for the babies, we both had our careers going, and finances were good, owned house and cars...But, feeling as though you are never really ready and anytime works depending on what you make of it..

Hope that helps....:>

porcelina22 · Dec 5, 2005

#1- 6 days after my 16th BDay

#2- age 18

#3- age 22

I'm 23 now, and have a 7yo, 5yo, and 1yo. It's hard, especially since I am just now getting serious with school...but I really wouldn't have it any other way. They give me a drive and determination I never would have had without kids.

Chrissy

missninaRN · Dec 5, 2005

#1 when I was 21

#2 when I was 24

I think people who wait longer to start their families have a better chance at being capable parents.

I do know of young moms and dads who are wonderful, patient, and mature. We, however, were not.

Atlanta Kellie · Dec 5, 2005

First child 1983, I was 19

Second child 1985, I was 21

Third child 1987, I was 23

I have no regrets, but I feel it's better to wait. I would have liked to have finished school, lived some myself before bringing children into my world. My children all plan to wait until they have been married for awhile (none are married yet) before they have children.

sjb2005 · Dec 5, 2005

2 weeks after my 18th b-day was my first son by c-section after many hours of labor. 2 more sons by c-section. glad I didn't wait. Now I can enjoy my grandchildren at a young age.

sjb2005 · Dec 5, 2005

First child 1983, I was 19
Second child 1985, I was 21
Third child 1987, I was 23
I have no regrets, but I feel it's better to wait. I would have liked to have finished school, lived some myself before bringing children into my world. My children all plan to wait until they have been married for awhile (none are married yet) before they have children.

almost a ditto