Age when you had your first child?

mumofbratz · Nov 30, 2005

Hi everyone i am new here but I had to tell aobut mine. I had my first girl when i was 19 2 weeks before my 20th birthday, my son was born 11 months later, another girl about 20 months later and and i am pregnant with my 4th now , due january 21. So i will have 4 under the age of 5 while i am 24. It doesnt seem that diffacult to me, my husband is wonderful and i have a really good support system and to tell the truth my kids are very well behaved for their ages. We just take things one day at a time and i am very glad that i had my kids when i did. They are my world and I dont know what i would do without them.

rn/writer, RN · Nov 30, 2005

I was 18 with our first daughter, and

19 with d #2,

21 with d #3,

24 with first son,

27 with d #4,

35 when we adopted son #2, who was 5 years old.

Our early years were hectic and money was tight, but we managed. My husband is and always has been an involved dad and our kids have given us some wonderful g-kids. In fact, we just found out another one is on the way (due June 25th) to daughter #3 who has a 5 yo and who has been trying for three years.

If we'd waited until we were ready, I might now have a two year old.

JAHJF · Nov 30, 2005

#1 @ 20

#2 @ 24

yvonnemuse, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2005

I was 20 with my first son. I think 24 or 25 would have been a better age to have my first, but if the timing was different I would not have the imps I have now !

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 30, 2005

#1 @ 35

#2 @ 37

I just wasn't ready @ age 20. There are both upsides and downsides to having kids "this" late in life, lol! I was more "ready" emotionally, was physically in good shape so the pregnancies weren't a problem. However, as I'm 50 now, I do feel a mite "tarred" these days! And while most of my friends' kids are in college or have graduated from college . . . well, at our house it's us and the teens!! :D

allnurses Guide · Nov 30, 2005

#1 @ 35
#2 @ 37
I just wasn't ready @ age 20. There are both upsides and downsides to having kids "this" late in life, lol! I was more "ready" emotionally, was physically in good shape so the pregnancies weren't a problem. However, as I'm 50 now, I do feel a mite "tarred" these days! And while most of my friends' kids are in college or have graduated from college . . . well, at our house it's us and the teens!! :D

I'd rather have a toddler than a teen.

My 4 year old has all the kitchen utensils out of their drawer and on the floor here making a wedding cake.

My 16 year old has her ear pressed to a phone yakking, has black eye shadow on so thick it looks like black eyes, gave me a hard time for having to get a ride to school with grandpa. :nono:

I love them both but teens are more challenging. IMO.

Now just do the math . . . when the 4 year old is sixteen I'll be . ....... .:uhoh21:

steph

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Nov 30, 2005

Hello!

I was 17 when I had my daughter. She's a joy! I would never go back...

Having her made me focus and work towards what I wanted in life. I knew I had to become something for her. She gave me motivation.

I had already graduated high school by the time I became pregnant with her. By the time I was 20, I had graduated with my ADN in Nursing and received my RN license. At 21, I finished my BSN. I'm now 22 and working on my master's degree.

I've enjoyed success far beyond a lot of my classmates that I went to school with. Most of them are still living at home with their parents. I'm married to a good man, own my home, have a good job.

I know that I am lucky and that most of the time, teen moms don't have such good outcomes. But for me, it drove me to become a better person - quickly. I sometimes wonder where I would be if I hadn't had my baby when I did.

This is the first time I've said it on the board, but I am expecting AGAIN! I'm due July 2 of 2006. My husband and I are thrilled.

But I am much more tired this time. I'm much more stressed. And I know way too much. With my first, I was so carefree...

I work peds and OB now. I know too much of what can go wrong! To say the least, I am a total headcase with worry sometimes with this pregnancy when I compare it to the other.

I think that the "best" time for anyone to concieve depends on the person. There is no one answer for everyone.

Good luck on your paper!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Nov 30, 2005

I'd rather have a toddler than a teen.
My 16 year old has her ear pressed to a phone yakking, has black eye shadow on so thick it looks like black eyes, gave me a hard time for having to get a ride to school with grandpa.
I love them both but teens are more challenging. IMO.
steph

Who was it that said: "Having a teenager makes me understand why some species eat their young"??:rotfl:

Aw, it's all worth it when they're a few years older and they present you with that first grandchild.

allnurses Guide · Nov 30, 2005

Who was it that said: "Having a teenager makes me understand why some species eat their young"??:rotfl:
Aw, it's all worth it when they're a few years older and they present you with that first grandchild.

I hope her older brothers beat her to it. After they get married of course. But they must finish school first.

steph

Dayray, RN · Nov 30, 2005

#1- 16

#2- 18

#3- 21

#4- 23

Wouldn't change it. At 31 I'm a whole lot wiser then I was at 16 but then again my kids didn't really need my wisdom when they were tiny. At 16-23 I was perfectly able to give them love and attention. Now that they are older I can teach them all sorts of things and now I can also provide for them financially.

As far as what age is better I think it kind of balances out. When your younger life is less complicated and things like career don't get in the way of raising children. When you're older you're smarter and have more money.

If I had it to do over again I wouldn't change it. I'm really looking forward to vacations and being able to walk around naked when my kids leave. In 11 years ill be 42 and me and the wife will be newly weds allover again. Hmm maybe I'll finally buy that sports car too......

Melody007_FNP-C, APRN · Nov 30, 2005

Married at 16...........

1st baby girl at 17....

2nd baby girl at 18....

3rd baby boy at 19...

Now at 36 and still married to my wonderful husband!

Also I am going to be a Grandma July 06! My 19 year old is going to have a baby. She is 8 1/2 weeks

Age is just a number.......

calilvn2008 · Nov 30, 2005

#1 16

#2 17

married 16 .It has been wonderful having them together if I could do it over again would wait till sometime till my 20's.I think it gave me a head start on life and made me realize how important school is.Have been married 5 wonderful years . And have been able to purchase my own home with my husband at 20(and thats in california too!!) So it did give me a head start but lets just say I spent my 21st birthday changing diapers!!:wink2: