[Closed] Any older dads?!

It's not at all bad. I was 43 when mine was born and it's a doddle really.
Sometimes people wonder if you're dad or grandad mind 😉

Well it's older than 27 or 17 but it's not old is it?

Older? I was expecting you to be in your 50's!

I'm 35 and have three kids, never feel like I am too old.

FWIW, of all of my school mates, I am the only one who has any kids. Not sure what the national average ag is for first time Dads but 37 sounds fine!

You will make it through. Its no big deal, just a complete change of life.

My dad was 52 when he had me.
Didn't seem to bother either of us, tbh.

Hearty congrats btw!

Second child mid 30s for me. My eldest got their gcse results today and I'm 47.But you are really not that old. Best mate became a dad at 48. I have worked with 2 dads who have retired while they had kids in primary school.

It'll be great. All these things have pros and cons but older parents have experience. presumably you have some basics sorted: house, partner job etc?

PS I was terrified of parent hood but I've loved it

37 is not that old, although you could be almost 70 before your kids [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/should-i-move-out-of-the-parents-house ]move out....[/url]

riding a bike keeps you young, IMHO

37s not that old, was 34 when I had my 1st and had 2nd at 36

<waves> I was 38 when our first was born. Second one arrived 17 months later.

They're fantastic creatures.

A lot has changed and we're in a state of perma-skint, but wouldn't change anything.

I was 35 with our first and im 42 now, i dont reckon its any harder than if you are in your 20s, having said that i do miss my sleep :-). youll be fine as long as you dont mind a complete change to your life!

40 now, Blobby Jr is 18 months and the next one due Feb.

Reckon I've aged more in the first year of Blobby Jr's life than I did in the previous ten years!

Edit: ... oh and yes, congratulations! Despite the hard work and tiredness... it is the best thing ever... well it is once you get past the first 12 months 😉

Congratulations!

Go with it. You'll have enough to worry about later...

Like, 'OMG, he/she's so small! If I lift him/her will he/she break?' 😯

For now, chill.

Start going to bed early now. You might just survive.

42 when the first arrived, 45 now and second due in January, fatherhood takes years off you trust me.

47 here, kids are 5 and 6, it's great! I had a whale of a time in my younger days when some were having kids, wasn't a particular choice to have them late, just happened that way. It is demanding as you don't ahve the same energy as in your 20's but I think it will help keep me younger and fitter as I want to experience things with them as they grow, riding bikes, kayaking, etc.

I am 38 and am trying to cope with being a new father, never thought of myself as being an older Dad though. My wife is 29, just for reference.

Tiny is now 3 weeks old. There is defiantly a lack of sleep going on but I think it is worse for my wife. We are both getting between 4-5 hours at night, sleeping in shifts, but I have to wake her for feeds where as I get to sleep through. I am back at work now after taking the first 2 weeks off as a holiday. My wife is still on Maternity Leave and is trying to nap through the day but it is not easy.

We have a Boxer dog and 2 cats but they just ignore us most of the time. Our Boxer has a sniff at Tiny now and then but that is all, she is a very submissive dog though.

Best advice I can give is to do as much as is possible for your partner, be that house hold chores, cooking, changing nappies or whatever. Buy ready meals, they make life much easier in the short term. Give yourself time and try and be patient as possible. Above all else make sure not to loose touch with each other. Hug when possible and make the most of whatever time you have with each other.

I won't lie, this will change your life. In the first few weeks though the only thing that matters is the baby, the wife and you in that order. There will be time for everything else later on.

All that said though I still think it is the best thing we have done. 🙂

37 isn't an old Dad. Whether you'll "survive" depends on you.

Congratulations it's the best thing in the world, at times infuriating, exhausting, painful but the good parts more than make up for it

I had my first at 25, she's getting married in a couple of weeks. There is no formula or norm. It's all good.

Older? I was expecting you to be in your 50's!

Whoa that post erupted quick! 🙂 thanks.
I suddenly feel a lot younger !
I know I'm not old OLD but at 37 most of my friends seem to have 7, 8 year olds already so I do feel like an old dad in that respect.

I'm 37, mine are only 2 and 4.

You deal with it 🙂

Tell me its not so bad!!!

Nah, we've all had to suffer, why shouldn't you! 😉

42 here, first one at 38, second at 39 and a bit. Missus is bothering me for number 3......

You'll be fine (probably), either way it's coming so GET READY!!

Jake25 - a lot of that rings true.
For reference my Wife is only 27 so that's in our favour from a pregnancy point of view.

I know I'm not old OLD but at 37 most of my friends seem to have 7, 8 year olds already so I do feel like an old dad in that respect.

There are no norms any more, so relax.

And, if your kid's a lad, don't call him Norm.

Two of my mates are grandads [ both 20 when they had kids] and my kids are only 8 & 6.

It does not really matter

I'm 30, my youngest is 3. I feel too old most days. Little bastards.

At the opposite end, My wife is 35, her dad is 83. He's always been fine. So it's probably more my kids, than what age you are.

In the first few [s]weeks[/s] [i][b]years[/b][/i] though the only thing that matters is the baby, the wife [s]and you[/s] in that order.

Fixed it for you.

you're not selling this having kids lark

sounds like a bit of a pain in the arse 🙂

prawny - Member
I'm 30, my youngest is 3. I feel too old most days. Little bastards.

I'm 37. Not exactly over the hill but on my way up it I'd say.

First child is on its way. Tell me its not so bad!!!

are you me??

Tiny is now 3 weeks old

Did you call your kid Tiny? Hope he grows up to be a boxer or action movie star. 🙂

As far as I can make out it's actually an advantage, although as a stay at home dad of 40, with two pre-school boys I find myself flagging occasionally.. Working Dads don't have a clue..
It'll be a piece of piss really though, just remember to love them and then love them some more

I was 38 when the first arrived, 39 when the second arrived! You're not old but you will feel it 🙂 The only real disadvantage I can see is that you suffer more with lack of sleep when you're older (well, I seem to). I also sometimes feel a bit gutted when I realise I'll be approaching my 60s by the time they're hitting 20s but such is life.

My sister had hers when she was young (first at 17) so I can see arguments for having them young and old, but that's irrelevant really. Enjoy him/her as much as possible, that's the main thing.

And congratulations!

Similar age to what I was. I don't see where any potential problem lies.

My regret is ours isn't older now as I'm a big kid at heart and would prefer more laughs etc. I'm 39/hes 3. When I'm 50 he'll think I'm too sad to be jumping on a bouncy-castle etc 🙁

My dad was 34 when my older brother was born, and 38 when I was born. He was the best dad ever.

I’d say the majority of people at our place left having kids until their 30s/40s.

sounds like a bit of a pain in the arse

You're doing it wrong

Did you call your kid Tiny? Hope he grows up to be a boxer or action movie star.

We didn't call him Tiny but it was a nickname till he arrived and we decided on a name. 😀

I am 50 (wife is quite a bit younger) with a 7 and 5 year old. Think i have more patience and am a better dad than i would have been in my twenties.
Means i get to go to theme parks, make sandcastles, and be a child currently both learning to body board so having to join them at that too.
The only downside is they come to the LBS with me and always remind me "daddy no more bikes".
Congratulations. Enjoy.

I'm 40 and my wife 38...

We have two daughters, aged 2 and 6.
I reckon we're somewhere in the middle in the parents age range in the eldest ones school class.
Plenty of Dads well into their 40's...

I'm 37. Not exactly over the hill but on my way up it I'd say.

People have kids later these days. I'm 35, with a two year old and another on the way. I'm probably one of the younger dads at the nursery.

Anyway, we're poor, tired but mostly very, very happy. You'll have a blast.

44 when I had my boy, 47 now obviously he is 3, its flipping great. 🙂

I had my first at 25 last at 35 .I`m glad I didnt have them any older as im now nearly 50 and not far from being kid (and:maintenance :lol:) free !!

LOL Some truly inspirational words from Edric64 there!

41, I have a 4yo and a 10month old baby.

The first baby/few months IS hard, regardless of your age, because of the lifestyle changes and sacrifices you have to learn to make, not to mention the lack of sleep - but all for the right reasons.

Its my own opinion that being this "old" and having a family is a good thing, as we are better equipped in life skills and perhaps financially to cope.

I and the o/h are 37, and we're due in the next few days. It's going to be cool. Though I think it's sending the o/h quite insane - she's currently cleaning the fridge by dismantling it. Hopefully she'll leave the stickers alone.

I have friends who had children in their twenties, early thirties and late thirties. TBH they all seem fine. We (as in humans) are pretty good at coping. I'm more worried that the dog's going to feel put out: she's become very clingy and protective toward the o/h.

I suspect the upcoming period of broken sleep will be an eye opener, but again, we'll cope. I work in IT and my manager is in Detroit, but I look after stuff from Sinagapore through to the mid-atlantic so I'm used to weird sleep and working patterns.

I'm really excited. The house is full of new and shiny gadgets (the buggy is a work of engineering genius), I can't wait to take it out for a walk along the sea front. It's gonna be amazing.

One of the pros of being slightly older is that I'm pretty comfortable in my job, it's a bit dull but I get to work from home, have a bit more disposable income and am generally more worldly wise. I used to travel loads (like 35k per year in the UK & hundreds of European & worldwide flights). That has happily been consigned to the "job roles I'll never consider again" pile, but it was something I had to do. If I'd done that and had a child at the same time I think I'd be pretty miserable.

Thanks all. Its Been great reading these . Not to mention entertaining .

I realise its a bit early to be scanning the classifieds for trailers and kids bikes already but I can't seem to help having a peek 🙂

Has anybody any experience of a newborn with dogs around?
We have to young (1&2) Labradors we need to work around too so we know we are in for that extra bit of work from day one but pretty sure we will cope. Simple fact is we will have to!

stox, we are about to offload a lot of baby stuff, all cheap and in good nick if you are interested. Chairs, steamers for food, bottles, steriliser and so on.

One of the best is the jungle chair swing with overhanging animals. Strap baby in, chair swings and overhead animals rotate to jungle music (not the General Levi kind). Both ours loved it and you can do the hoovering uninterupted.

Another older dad here. I thin kit's great though obviously having a little 'un is a bit tying, the ability to just pop out to the cinema, or a meal or a bike ride becomes a much greater issue.

You'll get a little envious of dads who had kids early, so they're doing stuff again you can't do, but looking back at what I've done, holidays I've done pre-child I wouldn't swap.

Kryton57 - already keeping an eye on the classifieds to see what appears so ill keep my eyes open if you intend starting a thread....

I don't want to get too much into it right now (and waste your time) as we have only just announced it so we have friends and family already offering us items but I could be interested a little further down the line < thumb up>

the ability to just pop out to the cinema, or a meal or a bike ride becomes a much greater issue.

2 Labradors so that's the norm for us anyway 🙂

2 Labradors so that's the norm for us anyway

Ha ha, true.

I'm in the same boat at 36 with my first on the way. I do get a bit nervous, but now I just have to make sure I stay active.
In a way it's a good thing, I'm financially stable and we have a quite good home. Me and mrsW are happily married and will provide a very secure base.
Still scared though.

3 month old boy and a 1 year old lab springer x . The dog has been fine , i think she is young enough to be just excited by it and not put out to much . We have made a point of trying to involve the dog in family trips out and making sure she still gets a good walk , this is where trail hounding comes in handy as it gives you a chance to ride your bike and get the dogs out at the same time. Ours has become quite good at cleaning up baby sick !

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I was 37, it gets easier and you wouldn't be without them.My dog was fine when little stard arrived too, she tends to keep out of his way.

It is tricky with dogs. Mostly it's just making sure you give them enough time and they don't feel ignored or left out, which can be difficult as you'll be knackered pretty much all the time. Get a baby carrier thing for walks. It gets better as kids get older as they can join in some of the games you play with your dog. Blobby Jr use to love standing in his walker thing watching our dog running about after throw toys.

A dog cleaning up baby sick is one thing... but cleaning up runny baby poo that has leaked out of the nappy... 😐

There was a kid I used to know at school who was teased mercilessly due to having parents in their fifties. I wouldn't have wanted to be that kid then but I guess he had the last laugh when his dad croaked early and the life insurance paid for his TVR at 20yo.

There was a kid I used to know at school who was teased mercilessly due to having parents in their fifties.

Any tips for a newborn around 2 (very spoilt) cats?

May have to start shutting them out of the bedroom as they often sleep at the foot of the bed. heard horror stories about cats sleeping in cots and suffocating babies, but I imagine there will be too much noise for them and they will run a mile.

Mostly it's just making sure you give them enough time and they don't feel ignored or left out,

Saw my youngest stood there hitting the cat on the head and saying sorry each time he did it at about 16 months till she hit him

He also grabbed her by the tail and pulled till her claws gave way and she sprung into his face claws out. After crying hysterically he then went and did the exact same thing

An angry and annoyed dog will do a lot more damage if it gets cross and reacts

As above pics note the incidents will be rare and most seem to take to it well but I would be attentive tbh once they can move anyway

What Junkyard said. Our 18 month old is getting the hang of stroking and being gentle with our dog but still sometimes does the slapping thing instead of stroking. Keep a close eye on them! Sometimes I think kids just can't help themselves when it comes to pulling a tail.

May have to start shutting them out of the bedroom as they often sleep at the foot of the bed. heard horror stories about cats sleeping in cots and suffocating babies, but I imagine there will be too much noise for them and they will run a mile.

We keep them out of wherever our boy is sleeping, but our cats tend to keep their distance anyway. They are real outdoorsy cats so I don't think they are bothered.

35 when my first one came along. I think you're at just the right age to show the level of nurturing / experience and playfulness to be a great Dad. Having a baby makes you young again.

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37 old? your having a larf..

i was a week shy of 40 when jnr1 landed best days work i ever did.

my mate Walt knocks that for six though he and the gorgeous Jo had there first kids, twin boys, 5 months ago.. she's 46 and Walt hes 62 next month..

I'm 39 and have a gorgeous 2yr old Grand Daughter - It's bringing back memories but its nice to hand her back to her mum and dad 😀

Was 39 when our first was born, will be 42 for the second and who knows for the third and fourth. The Wife is 8 years younger. 😀

I'm 42 and we had our little Thomas only 6 weeks ago.

I have had a very travelled and interesting life so far...and this little fella is only going to enhance it !

Loving it !!

A year ago today we had a baby Ralph and I was 37. Didn't think about the age thing apart from the fact that I doubt I would have been ready for it (mentally/responsibly/financially) when younger. I'm not saying I wouldn't of coped earlier, because I'm sure people adapt to whatever comes their way in life, but I think a bit of maturity can only help bring up a well balanced offspring!

My dogs a big nutty Dalamtion, he did calm down when my first born arrived, think its a pack thing. Never had any agressive issues apart from him stealing their food but he does that with everyone.

Im 46, and my wife is 41, after all her (and our) prevoius attempts ending in misscarraige we are expecting our first baby early oct, and i cant wait! i have a 13yr old lad from my previous marraige and he is about as exited as we are, but he may be just as exited about getting the scalextrix out again after he said i should get rid of it as he'd grown out of it 8)

I was on holiday with the family recently, and looking around at the various families, found out that we were one of the youngest couples (44 and 49) with the oldest kids (15 and 18). So glad we had the kids when we did, seeing the older mums and dads trying to cope and running round after the kids was great fun. My son and I have had years of biking together and now he is old enough, he can buy the drinks after our rides too. Result.
Being a Dad is brilliant (probably) at any age, but my kids are old enough and I am young enough to do loads of things together.
How old will you be when he asks you to show him how to do ‘Manuals’ or that 4 foot drop-off. Just saying.
Enjoy them though, whatever age you are and what age they are too.

Captaincarbon - congratulations !

only 6 weeks ago

Loving it !!

you haven't got to the teething bit yet then...

Only 6weeks? Bless.

The other night our 3yr old played us off against each other at 2am.

You'll love it.

im 47 and my first and only kiddie is 6 months old

you are a bit young to be having kids, not too old

Me 47 crankbrat 2 . Loving every minute.

Had my first at 22 in 1990 , second in 93 at 25 and my third in 2011 at 44 , all Girls and the two olders ( half) sisters love the little un to bits
Keeps you young , stopped me smoking ( sort of) and wouldnt change it for the world.

Your more chilled being an older daddy

Had my first at 45, second at 47, they keep you young if you do it right 🙂

Hello O.P.,congrats.
I was 42 when L'il J came last year. It's great fun.
I don't think I would have been a very good a dad if I 'd had him when i was younger - too selfish, burning my candle at both ends etc - I don't know how my folks coped tbh , they where 19 when they had me.
I don't mind not going on the lash etc these days - and I can watch music festivals on the telly - I do want to take him camping to the Dyfi and the like -next year hopefully! 🙂
I keep telling senorita J that I have to keep cycling to remain young - she agrees fortunately ,so thats cool.

Sometimes I worry that he'll think I'm an old git when he's older - but which kids don't consider their parents duffers at some point?
Sleep is an issue - just go to bed when you're spent. You'll discover exhaustion like you have never felt it before 🙁

It's been great reading these replies ... I feel young 🙂
Roll on march!

34 and have just had a baby daughter arrive two weeks ago. It's brilliant 🙂 and nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be from a sleep deprivation point of view although I'm sure every experience is different. Emergency C section so looking after mum and baby Waller at the moment and all are doing well.

Best bit of kit I have found...... A belkin wireless timer thing. Plugged a lamp into it with a real low wattage bulb. Every time the little one stirs I can turn the light on via my iPhone and can check without blinding everyone awake and its easier for me to get back to sleep again. Found the little one doesn't fully awake as a consequence. It's been brilliant.

Good luck and I hope it all goes well. It's incredible and I can't imagine life without her 🙂

We are 36 and 40. 4 year old and 1 year old. You are plenty young enough. it's hard whatever age you are. I doubt I would have been as good a Dad if I had started 10 years ago. I am almost a grown up now. 😉

Congratulations btw