Posted on 10/18/2006 12:22:59 PM PDT by Da_Shrimp
Well now, in just less than 3 months time, I'm going to become a dad for the first time, at the age of 44.
I wondered if there are any other blokes around here who became fathers at such a relatively advanced age? What was it like, do you regret not having children younger, did you cope with the broken nights and nappy changing and is there any advice you could give?
I live in England, so things like health care etc might be different to the way they are over your side of the Pond, but I'd be fascinated to hear any anecdotes or experiences you older dads might have
At the moment I feel really happy about the idea of becoming a dad, but also bloody scared at the same time!
I can't offer advice but congratulations
Oh man, you are dead meat. No more sleepy time for you. Expect to age a decade in the first four months.
Kidding. :)
Enjoy the ride.
Decide with your wife ahead of time on roles and responsibility then stick to your part and help out more since Mommy usually does most of the work anyway.
Spend time holding your child and looking at their little face.
Resolve to be a better man due to their presence in your life.
Drink coffee
Stay clear of your wife's pregnancy hormones!!!
1st time biological Dad at 38 plus years
I was 20 years younger when my first son was born, but congratulations nonetheless. I read somewhere before my son was born that becoming a father changes your perception of yourself. I found that to be true, and I suspect you will too.
i had a son at 31 and a daughter at 33... i sobered up when they were about 8 and 6... i'm 49 now and would have another child in a heartbeat, if possible... i guess that's what grandchildren are for, though ... go get 'em, dad
If you're not in shape, work on that starting now. In a year, you might be able to keep up with the kid once he/she starts to scurry.
I will tell you, though, that you will see people younger than you at grandparents' day. :-)
Sorry, Shrimpy, but DD wasn't kidding. No more all night sleeps. And you will age a lot at first. But then the waters roll back over the major upheaval in the ocean of your life and you adjust. You'll be okay.
At least until they hit 20 and you're 64!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! Take lots of pictures videos because true to the cliche, they really do grow up too fast. I had a friend in high school many years ago whose parent were maybe early sixties when he was in high school. Lovely people and he was a good (but goofy) kid. Good luck, and enjoy the voyage!
Actually you will most likely be better at alot of things especially when they start school. Learn to play video games and sit with them and play. They are going to do it anyway for hours so you might as well learn and spend time with them, they often need a partner or help with it when they are young.
Get cable TV. It'll give you and the little bugger something to do at 3am while mom gets her much needed sleep.
Congratulations to you!
Take the time while your newborn is still a "blob" to get in shape, get some rest and start taking vitamins to keep up with the kid once it starts moving around. You will be wore out! They can be like the energizer bunny, still going when all you want to do is sit or lay down.
Seriously though, make sure to enjoy every minute with them. They grow up so fast and then they're gone. Make the best of any "bad" situation, always try to laugh. Laughter makes the best memories.
Good luck and
Cheers,
SZ
His take on being an older father was simply this: "Before I had kids I couldn't imagine ever wanting them. Now that I am a father, I can't imagine anything better."
Impending fatherhood is scary at any age, and there's a lot of worry once the kids arrive.
For all that, though, it's the best thing ever, no matter what your age. Just love your kids, be part of their lives, and enjoy the gift God has given you.
I was just shy of 39 when my daughter was born. Even though it was physically demanding, I was emotionally mature enough handle it. Muh kid's 18 now.
"You got your mind right, Luke?"
;o)
Congrats! It's an awesome ride. Your main job is going to be making sure your not a selfish bastard that just runs away and expects the Mrs. to take care of everything.
Most everything is her responsibilty anyway... Just make an exceptional effort to see that you take care of as much stuff as you are able to (like changing diapers), in order to free her up to do the stuff that only she can do (like breastfeeding), and allow her to get as much rest as she can when she can.
Ping
Advanced age ? For heavens' sake, you're 44, not 84 ! I'll be lucky if I become a father by that age.
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