Cut-off for having kids . . .

[Niceness8000]

I'm 41 years old with one child. I want one more. We will start trying shortly. i would actually like to have two more, but I feel that I am at the point where I don't want to be so much older than my children that I don't see them grow up and have families of their own. I feel like I'm towing that line right now. If I had started sooner, I could easily see myself with three kids.

 

[youngone]

The age you decide to have children is a tricky one. Too early and you will miss out on your youth but there is the bonus of being a young Dad. Men in their 30's and 40's are more likely to be mature and secure, but they will be old when their children are growing up. I suppose health also needs to be considered because you can be 40 yet still healthy and fit.

 

[Miller]

I would rather err on the side of having a child earlier than I'd planned than on waiting too long to have a child that never came. I know too many people who had fertility issues in their 40s.

 

[tommymac]

If you're too old to chase them, you're probably too old to have them.

Males can have children well into their elderly years so long as they have a young enough partner. I believe Tony Randall had a kid in his 70's.

 

[Foster]

My dad was in his 40's when he had me and my brothers and we didn't miss out on anything for it.

 

[Victor Leigh]

I always believe in having children early. It's kind of like something that has to be done. Then when all the children have grown up, it's my own time. I don't owe anyone a living anymore. What I do with my time is my own business.

 

[erin]

I'm 41 years old with one child. I want one more. We will start trying shortly. i would actually like to have two more, but I feel that I am at the point where I don't want to be so much older than my children that I don't see them grow up and have families of their own. I feel like I'm towing that line right now. If I had started sooner, I could easily see myself with three kids.

There's not much difference between 41 and 43 as long as your wife is willing. I don't see why you can't have two more kids.

 

[Niceness8000]

I am fit for my age. I guess I just would like to see my grandchildren graduate college. This is my only regret. It is true that I am much more mature and of the mind to accept responsibility, but I already feel like I need more time.

 

[polamalu43]

You stop having them when you know the time is right. Its that simple. I don't think 43 is too late at all. If you and your wife want 2 more - go for it. You might get lucky and have twins!

 

[youngone]

You would also need to consult your doctor to determine whether there might be an increased risk of complications at your age. I do believe it shouldn't increase the risk of abnormalities if you are healthy but I might be wrong...

 

[Victor Leigh]

As for complications, it's not exactly an open-and-shut case. I remember reading a report about how people who have children later in life would produce children with problems. Then, not much later, I read another report which says people who have children later would produce smarter children.

 

[Niceness8000]

Just to clarify: there's nothing physically wrong with me. My wife is ten years younger than I am, and there's nothing physically wrong with her either. The reason I pose the question is not in regards to the birth of children, it's in regards to how long I will be around to watch them grow up. 40 is approaching the age where you start to wonder about questions like these. 50, 60, 70, I just think that it's too late in age to be able to watch your kids become whatever they will become. It was more of a philosophical question than one pertaining to my health.

 

[tommymac]

Children who are conceived by sperm from men over 40 tend to have a higher risk of autism. Of course, men can have viable sperm well into their elderly years.