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General Chat => Off Topic => Topic started by: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 08:59:55 AM

Title: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 08:59:55 AM
Apologies if this isn't the sort of thread that should be posted on the forum.  However, most of the members here appear to be considerate and well-meaning - and full of sage advice.  You only have to look at the 'black dog' thread to see proof of that.

Good news - it looks like my wife and I are going to become parents - after 9 attempts at IVF and 3 attempts at donor eggs.  Not to mention my wife having to deal with a bout of cancer.

In a nutshell, I'm 48 years old - and I'm having some 'issues' coming to terms with the idea of being an older Dad.  I know it's normal for expectant fathers to have some anxiety (financial pressures, will I be a good Dad?, etc.).  But my situation is somewhat compounded when I do the maths and realise how old I will be at the various stages of our child's life, etc.  Reading 2000AD for 40 years has given me an over-active imagination!

I wish I could be more positive about our circumstances - but I'm finding it hard to keep the negative feelings at bay.  The last thing I want to do is upset my wife.

I'm wondering if there are any older Dad's on the forum who could possibly give me some reassurance that 'everything will be alright'?

And yes, I realise it's something of a first-world problem - but I would greatly appreciate some words of wisdom from someone who's been there and done that.  I'm considering talking to a professional - but I figured like-minded 2000AD fans might be a good place to start.

Thanks,
Craig.

Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 06 March, 2019, 09:43:54 AM

I've never wanted children so I have zero advice to give. All I can say is that the people I've known who have had children seem profoundly and positively changed by the experience and that older parents seem to me to be better, more thoughtful and more patient parents. I'm sure you'll do great.

And, of course, congratulations!

Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 11:15:22 AM
Thank you, TLS.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 March, 2019, 11:26:28 AM
I recommend you listen to Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre podcasts.  As well as being excellent in general, he talks quite a lot about having two very young kids at his age (50).

I've had three kids, and my latest partner and I are looking to adopt (I'm currently 46).  What I will say based on my past experience of kids (they are teenagers now) is GET ANY HOLIDAYS ABROAD IN NOW, before the birth.

Taking kids on holidays abroad is almost impossibly expensive, plus a real ballache in terms of logistics.  Plus, really young children do not fly well, and will invoke the hate of the entire passenger list all aimed in your direction.  It was tough doing that in my thirties too - I can't imagine how tough it will be at our age!  I guess I will find out shortly.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: sheridan on 06 March, 2019, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 08:59:55 AM
I wish I could be more positive about our circumstances - but I'm finding it hard to keep the negative feelings at bay.  The last thing I want to do is upset my wife.


Assuming that there's no easy way for anything you post here to get back to your wife - feel free to share any concerns you have here - we can be your virtual extended support network without putting pressure on your wife.


No advice to give, though there do seem to be a few famous but still relatively normal older fathers these days (such as the afore-mentioned Richard Herring).  Speaking of which, National Richard Herring Informing People Who Haven't Discovered Search Engines When International Men's Day* is in two days time ;-)






* NRHIPWHDSEWIMD
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 12:09:34 PM
Thank you for the podcast reference.  I've actually never listened to a podcast - so now is probably a great time to learn, I guess!

No chance of anything getting back to my wife - not that I would be worried in the slightest if it did.  In fact, I'm sure she would be quite happy that I was discussing my issues with other people.

Also - no dramas with overseas holidays at this stage.  Will quite happily wait until the child is older.  We live in Australia, so I guess our travel options are a bit different.  Always been quite envious of those living in the old country and having access to the splendour of Europe!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: sheridan on 06 March, 2019, 12:54:33 PM
Quote from: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 12:09:34 PM
Thank you for the podcast reference.  I've actually never listened to a podcast - so now is probably a great time to learn, I guess!

No chance of anything getting back to my wife - not that I would be worried in the slightest if it did.  In fact, I'm sure she would be quite happy that I was discussing my issues with other people.

Also - no dramas with overseas holidays at this stage.  Will quite happily wait until the child is older.  We live in Australia, so I guess our travel options are a bit different.  Always been quite envious of those living in the old country and having access to the splendour of Europe!

No need to be envious - we only have free movement until the end of the month, after that it's anyone's guess!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 06 March, 2019, 01:35:36 PM
Ha!  Yes, I thought of that immediately after I pressed the POST button.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: gurnard on 06 March, 2019, 03:15:09 PM
I became a father at 39.  I got 2 kids and now I am 49.
I was not as old as you are now but still older than most around.

One definite advantage was that by 39 I had done a lot and calmed down already a hell of a lot compared to my 20's and most of my 30's so giving up some nights out was not so much as a drastic change as it was if I was younger.

But all I can say is it changed my life in a positive way. As long as you just jump in and go for it. If a child is what you want they just throw your all at that for now. I will be honest the first couple of years can be a bit tough but they pass and with every month it gets easier.

The age comparison thing crosses my mind also I will be 50 next year and my kid is 10.  When I was 39 I thought that was going to be crazy but to be honest if anything the kids have kept me younger physically and in my attitude to life in general. I thought I was going to be shit at it but having that great imagination you talked about is only going to be a bonus and make you a great Dad.

We are built to have kids like all animals. It is the most natural thing you can do. Just do it and take it as it comes. I think you will find it easier and less worrying if you live in the moments that come with your child.

Best of luck and go for it man it really is an experience of a lifetime :-) 
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Hudge_Jeeley on 06 March, 2019, 05:57:53 PM
I had one kid at 30 and one kid at 41....I can safely say that I'm a much better parent now than I was when I was younger. More patient, less prone to worrying. The biggest problem was it was a lot harder to stand up again after changing a nappy at 41 ;)

Life finds a way and being a parent is an amazing experience which you'll love!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: moly on 06 March, 2019, 06:50:37 PM
I was 41 when my daughter was born and will be 49 this year, although it can be depressing thinking ahead ie when I'm 60 she will only be 19 but the main thing is I think we are quite chilled bringing her up and if anything it's a great age to have a child you've done all the stuff you wanted to do, going out at the weekend isn't a big issue and we spend a lot more time with her than my parents did when I was a kid.
Also it makes you appreciate every moment with her.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Funt Solo on 06 March, 2019, 06:54:41 PM
I was 41 when my daughter was born and also had some worries about my age.  I'd echo other's sentiments: it's really quite tiring and time consuming, but also incredibly rewarding.  Me being older means I'm a bit more stable, but have a little less energy as well.

The first couple of years are tough due to lack of sleep: they pretty much need constant looking after, communication is difficult and I find crying very difficult to listen to.  My partner and her family have been a wonderful support - single-parenting must be outrageously difficult.

Getting to know my daughter as she's moved from being a pooping, wailing thing into being a considerate young person learning about the world continues to be a daily high point of my life (although, still, not always easy by any means). 

According to average stats, I'll probably die when she's about 37.  Man, that only gives me about three decades to finish that basement insulation project...
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: IndigoPrime on 06 March, 2019, 07:45:51 PM
First, congratulations, Krakajac! Secondly, I was knocking on 40 when we had mini-IP. I do think about it, and Mrs IP wishes we'd had a kid at a younger age, for all the obvious reasons. But mini-IP is loved (the main thing) and, fortunately, so far secure and well looked after. I'm sure negative thoughts will keep arriving, but would that really have been much different at another age?Presumably, they'd have just been different worries?

From my own standpoint, I had zero experience with kids, and didn't particularly like them. That all changed the second mini-IP arrived, and although I handled her a bit like a fragile china doll at first, now we're playing swinging and zoomies and all sorts, even if daddy's back sometimes gives out.

I will, however, one piece of advice that was given to me before mini-IP arrived: if you like the cinema, pack in the films now. You won't be going much again for some time – or if you do, it'll cost a bloody fortune.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: CalHab on 07 March, 2019, 08:36:13 AM
Congratulations! You're far from alone here. Older Dads are quite common, judging from my daughter's peer group. You've got the benefit of life experience, which will be invaluable. One bit of advice I'd give is to try to get into shape before the due date (if you need to), as I was surprised by how physically demanding parenting can be.

There's also one other, very important, point. Being a Dad got me back into 2000AD- episodic content is perfect when you have little free time and are likely to be interrupted at any moment!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Radbacker on 07 March, 2019, 08:39:13 AM
Congrats I myself just had my first on 2 years ago at the age of 42, like you I was worries about being an older father and thought my daughter may get teased when she goes to school about having a granddad for a dad but if you look around its becoming the new normal to have your kids later and really no disadvantage to the kids.  Like others have mentioned it actually is an advantage as you tend to be more grown up and have much more time for them.  I'm also of short attention span and was worried that after a coupl of months I'd get board of her but what do you know 2 years later and she's still the center of my world and the best thing I've ever done!!
I just found out 2 weeks ago she's going to have a little brother or sister around October/November so very happy again.  Good luck you'll find its the greatest thing ever to happen to you.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 07 March, 2019, 08:50:05 AM
Congratulations!

I was 35 going on 16 when my only child was born. Steep learning curve but I would not change it for the World. My entire life until that point seems rather pointless until then.

Sure you'll have some tough moments. The feeding in the middle of the night is not as bad as some make out. You get used to it and generally it doesn't last long. Toilet training was our biggest challenge. Took 3 months and nearly every night there was an episode but again you kind of get used to it. She would change the bedding (which we had got out earlier) and I would clean the lad up. This we got down to a fine art and could do it in less than 5 minutes in the end.

But the rewards far, far outweigh and minor bumps in the road. They are far too numerable to mention and having a child really does (or did in my experience) change your life for the better.

Enjoy it. I honestly think it's the best thing a person (or people I should say) can do.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 07 March, 2019, 09:22:26 AM
Thank you all for your responses - very heartening to read about your experiences.  I've got the best part of 8 months to come to terms with it all!  Just need some time for it all to sink in! :)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: CalHab on 07 March, 2019, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 07 March, 2019, 08:50:05 AM
Sure you'll have some tough moments. The feeding in the middle of the night is not as bad as some make out. You get used to it and generally it doesn't last long. Toilet training was our biggest challenge. Took 3 months and nearly every night there was an episode but again you kind of get used to it. She would change the bedding (which we had got out earlier) and I would clean the lad up. This we got down to a fine art and could do it in less than 5 minutes in the end.

To provide a contrast, toilet training wasn't too bad for my young one. The sleepless nights, on the other hand, played havoc with our sanity and emotions!

They're all different.

One other, serious point. You need to keep an eye on your other half. Post-natal depression is very real and rarely diagnosed. Health Visitors and GPs tend to focus their limited resources and time on a handful of parents in dire straits. If your partner needs help it will likely be you that needs to speak up. This was brushed over in the ante-natal classes I attended.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 07 March, 2019, 10:27:15 AM
Cheers - I'll be sure to do so.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 07 March, 2019, 03:51:41 PM
I would add to that by saying that it's easy for fathers to go a little off the rails too.

Things change, temporarily thankfully, and sometimes it can be difficult for mothers and fathers to get their head around it and settle into some semblance of regime.

I'm fairly sure that in 95% of cases of parenthood that things generally go pretty swimmingly with only the odd, minor bump in the road.

People have been doing it for a few years now and have coped pretty well. And we've only had Google for about 20 years of that ;)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: SIP on 07 March, 2019, 04:02:56 PM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 07 March, 2019, 08:50:05 AM

Sure you'll have some tough moments. The feeding in the middle of the night is not as bad as some make out. You get used to it and generally it doesn't last long. Toilet training was our biggest challenge. Took 3 months and nearly every night there was an episode but again you kind of get used to it.

Ha ha, both of my children were 7 before they slept through their first night.....and they overlapped. So, 10 years without an unbroken night! And sleep deprivation is TORTURE!

BUT

Being a parent pretty much is my reason for being so I certainly wouldn't change it. I'd do it again 😊
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Proudhuff on 07 March, 2019, 05:34:16 PM
K, talk to a counsellor. Even if it's just to sort out how you feel.
For me, (57)  this issue has raised its head in my life and the thought of going the teenage years, which with two totally different boys, when I'm drawing a pension is/was beyond me.
You need to factor in your health, your partners health and support network, within your family, community and finances, it's easy for Rod Stewart, Paul Welles etc as they have a team of people and nannies,
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Proudhuff on 07 March, 2019, 06:19:29 PM
Weller.
Sorry to sound a bit negative, but if you consider all that, and things are still looking rosey, Brilliant!  :D
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Trout on 08 March, 2019, 12:57:41 AM
There's never an idea time to become a parent and pretty much every parent does their best. The fact you're asking the question shows a good attitude. Congratulations and good luck!  :)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: DaveGYNWA on 18 March, 2019, 11:11:36 AM
Quote from: SIP on 07 March, 2019, 04:02:56 PM
Ha ha, both of my children were 7 before they slept through their first night.....and they overlapped. So, 10 years without an unbroken night! And sleep deprivation is TORTURE!

Our first daughter was an absolute star with regards to sleeping - 6 weeks in and she did a full night, and it never changed from then onwards.

Then our second came along and decided that she wasn't going to do a full night until she was 3 and a half.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: hippynumber1 on 18 March, 2019, 12:03:25 PM
Hi Krakajac

I was 49 when my son was born so you're definitely not alone and I can appreciate some of what you're feeling. My dad died of cancer when I was 28 and I made a conscious decision at that point to never have children because I didn't want to cause anyone that level of emotional pain. Things change, we grow and we had a beautiful baby boy on January 1st 2016. He changed my world. He has brought so much joy to our lives and every day is a learning experience with him. We forget the simple joys of rain and puddles and beetles and running and grass and the moon and so much more and he has brought it all back. Sometimes I want to cry just because I love him so much. But there is always that shadow of "I've got 20 years for him, if I'm lucky." Like some others have said though, I don't resent giving him my time for one second like some younger dads might; I've done with my galavanting and I can give everything to him. However many years I have with him I'm going to try to make them his happiest and in doing so they'll be mine too.

In short, it's natural to worry about it and sometimes it will make you cry, but that's okay and you'll both be fine. Xx
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 18 March, 2019, 05:12:20 PM
Beautiful post Hippy dude.

And completely true.

An hour spent in their company is a delight. Any longer is a real gift.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 March, 2019, 05:55:42 PM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 18 March, 2019, 05:12:20 PM
Beautiful post Hippy dude.

Yeah... is it dusty in here... or maybe its my hayfever.

To dispell this lovelyness its as I sit here and watch my two fight over Mario Cart and slices of pepper I also remember that they are getting kicked out at 18 with a breakdown of how much they owe me in cold hard cash!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 19 March, 2019, 05:17:33 AM
Thanks again, guys - and also for your post Hippy - that's exactly what I needed to hear! :)

The initial shock has passed - but still having some issues, which I'm working through. :)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 07 March, 2020, 11:30:21 AM
Bit of a necro-post...:)

Short story, I shouldn't have worried myself so much.  Fatherhood is working out better than expected. :)

Here she is...Danielle at 5 months old.

I tried for 'Cassandra', but the other half wasn't having it.

(https://i.imgur.com/G8ivFsol.jpg)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 07 March, 2020, 12:00:51 PM
So awesome!!! Wonderful!!

Such great news, and so good to meet your daughter. Really glad things worked out for you dude!

Totally appreciate how daunting it must have been.

Kind of feeling the same myself - pushing 50, and currently going through the adoption process with my fiancé.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: IndigoPrime on 07 March, 2020, 12:57:38 PM
Krakajac: Glad it all worked out. Loads of fun to come!

shaolin_monkey: Good luck with the adoption process!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: TordelBack on 07 March, 2020, 01:32:04 PM
Hah hah, that's brilliant to hear Krakajac; Danielle is a gorgeous little smiler!  :D

And fair play to you Shaolin_monkey, hope it goes well for ye.

Very conscious this year that mine aren't little kids anymore, and while i love the witty, headstrong, belligerent knowitall gems that they are now, I also miss the anklebiters they once were.  If had two cent to rub together, I'd be churning 'em out or packing 'em in myself.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Dandontdare on 07 March, 2020, 04:51:50 PM
Aw, she's a cutie. Congratulations
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 March, 2020, 06:30:48 PM
Wonderful stuff - massive congratulations Krakajac.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 07 March, 2020, 09:33:49 PM
Thanks for your comments. :)

She's a handful, for sure. :)
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: hippynumber1 on 07 March, 2020, 09:45:33 PM
She's beautiful, man. It's weird that you posted, I was thinking about this thread just the other day and wondering how you were getting on. So happy it's all working for you.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: maryanddavid on 08 March, 2020, 01:41:02 AM
Congrats!
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Bolt-01 on 09 March, 2020, 12:06:16 PM
Grand news!

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The Older Dads Thread
Post by: Krakajac on 10 March, 2020, 09:54:09 AM
Thanks - much appreciated. :)