Sharing is caring!

Is there an ideal age to have a baby? While we can’t set a childbearing deadline, we are allowed to ask, “How does a parent’s age impact a child?” Society often highlights the benefits of being a younger parent, but research suggests older parents bring unique advantages—and some challenges.

Generally, having a child after 35 puts you in the category of “older parent.” Understanding the impacts your decisions have on the life of your child and your family can help you make informed decisions and manage expectations.

Here are some ways that your age might influence your child’s health and well-being.

Pros of Being an Older Parent

Are there any advantages to having a kid while you’re already spotting a few grey hairs? Here’s what may work out for you if you plan to be (or already are) a parent in your not-so-young-anymore years.

1. Your Kids May Live Longer

Did that surprise you? Science says children born to older parents may actually live longer since longer telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes safeguarding DNA, might be inherited from aging sperm.

It might also be that older parents often have better access to healthcare and are more attentive to their child’s health needs. Still, we can’t argue with science.

2. You Kids Might be Smarter

All those A+ grades your kid has been bringing home from school lately may have something to do with the fact that you had your child in your forties. Believe it or not, studies have shown that children of older parents often perform better academically.

Where does this intelligence boost come from? Blame it on those older parents with their degrees and life stories. They’ve likely filled their kids’ lives with fancy words and varied viewpoints, turning little minds into cognitive powerhouses.

3. Better Emotional Stability

With age comes wisdom and, apparently, better parenting skills. Older parents tend to be more patient, less reactive, and better at communicating, which creates a stable and supportive environment for their children.

This emotional stability from the parents helps children feel secure, boosting their self-esteem and improving their friendships.

4. Less Stress About Finances

One undeniable advantage of being an older parent is financial stability, especially if the parents make sound financial choices early in life. By the time people reach their late 30s or 40s, they are often more established in their careers, with higher incomes and better financial planning.

It’s no secret poverty affects children in many ways. Children who grow up in financially secure environments tend to have better mental health.

5. Better Health Habits

Children learn by example, and older parents often have to deal with enough creaking joints and aching backs to know and pass down better health habits. They prioritize wellness and habits such as regular exercise, balanced diets, and routine medical check-ups.

By modeling these behaviors, older parents instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle in their children from a young age.

6. Reduced Risk of Behavioral Problems

Interestingly, children of older parents are often found to have fewer behavioral problems. One reason for this could be the increased emotional stability and maturity that older parents bring to the parenting role.

They are generally more experienced in handling stress, which can create a more nurturing environment for their children.

7. Stable Family Environment

Older parents often have their personal and professional ducks in a row, offering their kids a fortress of stability and security. This rock-solid environment is perfect for a child’s development, giving them security and predictability.

A stable family environment also means that parents are more available and present, strengthening the parent-child bond and contributing to a happy, well-rounded upbringing.

8. Less Likely to Get Hurt Physically

Research studies show that children of older parents are less likely to sustain physical injuries. Are older parents more cautious and risk-averse? It’s possible that they keep their homes child-proofed and that their kids engage in safe activities.

Older parents often draw from their life experiences to instill a sense of safety and precaution in their children, teaching them how to navigate the world more carefully.

Cons of Being an Older Parent

It’s not without reason that people are encouraged to gear children earlier if they can. Here are the arguments against having children as an older parent.

1. Less Physical Stamina from Parents

One of the more obvious challenges of being an older parent is the physical toll. Parenting is demanding, from sleepless nights with a newborn to chasing after a toddler. You may not have as much energy to sing Baby Shark at midnight in your late forties as you would in your early twenties.

Older parents might struggle to keep up with the physical demands due to decreased energy levels and stamina. During school sports day, you will definitely sweat more than the younger parents and probably won’t take home gold for the sack race.

2. Increased Risk of Genetic Disorders

One of the more significant concerns with older parenthood is the increased risk of genetic disorders. Research has shown that the risk of conditions such as achondroplasia and other chromosomal abnormalities increases with parental age.

Older mothers, in particular, face higher risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which can impact both their health and that of their baby.

3. Potential for Developmental Delays

There’s a possibility of developmental delays in children of older parents. While many kids develop just fine, some studies indicate a slight rise in the risk of conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in these children.

These developmental challenges can require additional support and resources, which can be emotionally and financially taxing.

4. They May Feel Socially Isolated

Don’t be surprised if you’re the odd one in the birth class. Children of older parents may face social isolation due to the age gap between their parents and the parents of their peers. Boomer parents will do things differently than Gen-X parents.

This can lead to feeling different or excluded, particularly in social settings like school events or playdates. Older parents may have less in common with younger parents, making it harder to form connections and build a support network.

Raise Emotionally Secure Kids with These 15 Key Phrases

Emotionally secure kids are more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. The annual birthday gifts and occasional trips to the park are great, but how do you talk to your kids every day? The words we use as parents play a significant role in shaping their emotional well-being

Raise Emotionally Secure Kids with These 15 Key Phrases

14 Important Manners Parents Aren’t Teaching Kids Anymore

Raising well-rounded kids requires more than getting them to shower and take their vitamins. Good manners are the little things that go a long way in shaping our kids into kind, considerate adults.

14 Important Manners Parents Aren’t Teaching Kids Anymore