Is 47 Too Old To Become A Father? Update In Post #155

[mom2rtk]

Hugh Hefner had two kids at ages 64 and 65. So I'd say 47 isn't that old in comparison.

I'm going to go out on a limb and bet that Hugh didn't change many diapers or handle the middle of the night feedings.

 

[rastahomie]

Are you willing to give up recreational activities that might not be consistent with good parenting?

Tough question. I'd be more worried about The Man showing up and taking the kids than I would be about spacing out and leaving Baby in the microwave (which is not a thing, by the way). But in the end, probably not.

Another reason why this adoption won't be happening.

 

[Hikergirl]

I can't answer for anyone else, but no way would I become a parent at 47.

 

[mrsheppo]

One of my daughters had a baby over 10 years ago and she gave her up at 4 months. I was 48 at the time and DH was 58. We adopted her without hesitation. While we had many a night with little or no sleep, we wouldn't change it for the world. I am now 58 and DH just turned 69 and still working full time. We have more time and patience (and a little more money) than when we were raising our others.

 

[low-key]

Hey so many people even raise there grand kids well into there 60,s, I guess its just like everything else, very rewarding and very hard

 

[DaisyJ]

I'll be in the minority here and say 47 is too old. The cut off for me is 45 and even then that's pushing it.
I'm not telling anyone what to do, it's none of my business. It's a discussion board so I hope we can express our opinions without flames.

My opinion is the same. I think 47 is too old to be a parent.

 

[wenrob]

Are you willing to give up recreational activities that might not be consistent with good parenting?

I knew someone would bring that up. People think nothing of having a glass or three of wine with dinner. A toke here and there is not any worse IMO.

 

[Meshell2002]

It's not too old.My DH father was 55 when he was born in 1970..... He lived to be 94. Our last child (of 3) born when DH was 43. Children do keep you young.

 

[mom2rtk]

I knew someone would bring that up. People think nothing of having a glass or three of wine with dinner. A toke here and there is not any worse IMO.

Except that one is legal and the other is not (at least where Rastahomie lives).

 

[ols386]

I don't think 47 is too old. As long as you and Mrs Homie are caring and loving parents, and I imagine you would be.

 

[wenrob]

Except that one is legal and the other is not (at least where Rastahomie lives).

Eh, recreational use rarely lands you in the slammer. The law has bigger fish to fry. As it relates to raising kids and impairment I personally find it the lesser of two evils. (if either were to be considered evil) But then my stepmother was a violent drunk (she drank champagne) and I was her main target so my view may be a little colored.

 

[georgina]

So those of you who say 47 is too old, where is your cutoff? My mom and dad were both 41 when I was born, and my DH was 40 when our youngest was born. I don't think 47, or 57, would be too old. Heck, my mom is still alive at 96.

 

[georgina]

Not always. My cousin and his wife married late in life (right about 40), then had two children in 5 years. They were a healthy couple with no reason to be concerned starting a tad late. When the youngest was two, his wife started to change, and things deteriorated rapidly. She was eventually diagnosed with an early onset rapidly progressing form of dementia. Their healthy dual income disappeared. They had major medical bills. Not only did they need child care for two very young children, but around-the-clock care for an adult as well. Life has not been kind or easy for them. Her health at 40 was no indication of what was to come.

I'm not saying the OP shouldn't adopt a child. BUT, I think age has to be taken into account. It's a fact that with age you have an increased chance of health issues - regardless of how well you have taken care of yourself.

Yes, but chances are still pretty slim of that happening. I know people who died of cancer in their 30's, so maybe no one over 30 should have kids either.

 

[mom2rtk]

Eh, recreational use rarely lands you in the slammer. The law has bigger fish to fry. As it relates to raising kids and impairment I personally find it the lesser of two evils. (if either were to be considered evil) But then my stepmother was a violent drunk (she drank champagne) and I was her main target so my view may be a little colored.

I guess I don't see it as an either/or situation.

Sorry about your experience though. That sounds rough.

 

[amberpi]

Yes, but chances are still pretty slim of that happening. I know people who died of cancer in their 30's, so maybe no one over 30 should have kids either.

I had a major brain injury at 35 and had to relearn to walk, etc. I'm mostly fine now.

 

[kimblebee]

@rastahomie needs to move to Canada next year

 

[adisneyaunt]

Not too old..
My brother is an Awesome dad and was older than that...
Why?
Found "the one" when older
Financial stability
Patience
One lucky kid and one lucky guy

 

[Vijoge]

So those of you who say 47 is too old, where is your cutoff? My mom and dad were both 41 when I was born, and my DH was 40 when our youngest was born. I don't think 47, or 57, would be too old. Heck, my mom is still alive at 96.

I think the cutoff is different for everyone. For some people it may be sixty and beyond. For others it might be 30. I don't see it as being a set age. necessarily.

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

My dad actually had his first child (me) at 49. After that, he had two more kids (well, my mom did). He's been a great dad.

 

[disneychrista]

So those of you who say 47 is too old, where is your cutoff? My mom and dad were both 41 when I was born, and my DH was 40 when our youngest was born. I don't think 47, or 57, would be too old. Heck, my mom is still alive at 96.

I think it is a personal CHOICE and for me 40+ is too old.