When would be it ideal age to start having kids? (For the average person)

LostInAnomie

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Wed Aug-12-09 06:59 PM
Original message

Poll question: When would be it ideal age to start having kids? (For the average person)

Edited on Wed Aug-12-09 07:01 PM by LostInAnomie

In general, what age should a person wait to start having kids? I'm talking about where there is no accidental conception, no psychological reasons to not have kids, and both parties are consistently and gainfully employed.

I would probably say somewhere around 30.

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annabanana

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:03 PM
Response to Original message

1. Whenever you're ready to provide a loving home.. . n/t

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MrSlayer

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:16 PM
Response to Original message

2. Early 20's.

You want to be young enough to chase them around when they are toddlers and young enough to relate when they are teens, you also want to be young enough to really enjoy life once they leave the nest. When our youngest is 18 my wife will be 40 and I'll be 43.

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WildEyedLiberal

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:43 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. I can't agree that this would work for most people

I'm 24 and nowhere near ready to be a parent, emotionally, mentally, or financially. Maybe (if I've met the right person) in my late 20s or early 30s, but certainly not before then.

I'm glad it's worked out for you and your wife, though.

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MrSlayer

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Wed Aug-12-09 08:15 PM
Response to Reply #3

8. Some people are never ready to have kids.

I'm saying if you are planning on having them, the best time to do it is early.

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grace0418

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Thu Aug-13-09 12:25 AM
Response to Reply #3

9. I'm with you. I so wish my mom had waited until she was emotionally ready to be

a parent. What you lose in energy you more than make up for in maturity, patience and insight. Obviously that doesn't apply to everyone but it sure applies to me. The person I was in my early twenties wouldn't have made a good mom. It's only now that I feel that I can handle it, and I'm almost forty. I'm still on the fence, so we're pretty much going to stop trying to prevent pregnancy and see what happens. No fertility treatments or anything like that. We'll let nature decide.

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fizzgig

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Thu Aug-13-09 03:12 PM
Response to Reply #3

16. i'm 28 and feel the same way

i have a hard enough time keeping my own stuff together and keeping myself afloat financially. hell, there are times i flake out and the cats have to yell at me to check the food bowl.

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LeftyMom

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:58 PM
Response to Reply #2

7. I second this.

Also, the health risks are at their lowest and conception is easiest in one's early-mid twenties.

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surrealAmerican

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:44 PM
Response to Original message

4. There is no average person.

Different people are ready at different ages. Physiologically it's probably easiest for women to have children in their 20s, but it's always best NOT to have children until you are ready psychologically.

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stray cat

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:49 PM
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5. when you are emotionally and financially stable enough to care for them for 20 years

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AngryAmish

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Thu Aug-13-09 01:52 PM
Response to Reply #5

14. Nobody is ever emotinally and financially stable enough

I never thought I would be but it does mature you. I think most people wait too long. I know I did (but I didn't meet Mrs. AA until I was in my late 30s so...)

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liberaltrucker

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Wed Aug-12-09 07:58 PM
Response to Original message

6. Never

But that's just (get off my lawn!) me.

:)

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XemaSab

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Thu Aug-13-09 01:50 AM
Response to Original message

10. I'm interested to see if the Hispanic influx will bring back the extended family

If it did, then earlier might be better. Have kids, and while grandma, sis, and cousin are taking care of them, get a good education.

Later, when the kids are in school, you can work a solid job with some good pay and not have to take time off for babies. :shrug:

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GreenPartyVoter

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Thu Aug-13-09 01:10 PM
Response to Original message

11. I had mine at 26 & 28. I am now almost 38 and can't imagine doing the

up all night and diapers thing again. Get tired just thinking about it. LOL

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One_Life_To_Give

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Thu Aug-13-09 01:37 PM
Response to Original message

12. 20 years before you need your diapers changed

Old enough to take care of you and young enough to have the energy for it.

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guitar man

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Thu Aug-13-09 01:46 PM
Response to Original message

13. when you're pulling down

...a steady $75-100k or so. Trying to raise one on $40k is turning out to be a nightmare :(

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noamnety

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Thu Aug-13-09 02:07 PM
Response to Original message

15. What kind of question is that?

There's not one set formula for family planning.

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