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Original poster

If you were only having one child, what age would you choose to have them?

27 replies

spicylasagne · 30/10/2023 09:52

Just for fun!

OP posts:
WhateverMate · 30/10/2023 09:56

30, but it would obviously depend on so many other factors.

Comedycook · 30/10/2023 09:58

Probably fairly young.. early twenties in an attempt to be around for them as long as possible, as I think losing a parent as an only child must be a very lonely experience

MidnightOnceMore · 30/10/2023 10:02

Very difficult for women this, you have to have them young enough to be in prime childbearing years but also old enough to have established your career and experienced life. You mustn't be too young, as then you'll be a feckless parent. Mustn't be too old, that's obviously selfish because you'll die too soon.

Sorry, light-hearted! 32.

Leo227 · 30/10/2023 10:03
  1. I had mine at 37 which has Been great but it was only covid that delayed things a bit. by that age I've got as high up in my job as i want to go really, got a house, married, travelled and done everything I'd ever want to do for a while so don't feel like I am giving up anything so to say, and felt totally ready to concentrate solely on raising a baby.
Mumoftwotoddlers · 30/10/2023 10:03

25

WaitingfortheTardis · 30/10/2023 10:05

Early 30's.

arethereanyleftatall · 30/10/2023 10:06

31

Torganer · 30/10/2023 10:07

42

PrintedButterflies · 30/10/2023 10:07

33

Twoshoesnewshoes · 30/10/2023 10:07

28

MinnieL · 30/10/2023 10:08
  1. Same age as I had my first
EwwSprouts · 30/10/2023 10:10

My friends and I all had our children in late thirties / early forties. This meant DS grew up with a close circle of family friends which was a huge benefit as an only. So, not to be a sheep, I would say when your friends are all having theirs! Early thirties rather than late may be bit better for health reasons but actually none were IVF babies and all parents are still healthy, twenty years on.

arethereanyleftatall · 30/10/2023 10:10

Reason for 31.

20s are a really enjoyable time to be free, apart from work, to enjoy life as your disposable income will be at its highest with no dc. Also lots of energy, and it's an 'exciting' time dating wise. Also gives you a chance to save so that when you're earning less with young dc, you get some passive income.

Late 40s (I'm in them now) - I'm knackered. So much tireder generally.

So, the main work is 0-17. I'd take 31-48.

Gowlett · 30/10/2023 10:12

44, didn’t plan my baby it just happened.
Seems ideal for me. Not sure how DS will feel.

riotlady · 30/10/2023 10:13

32? Enough time to spend my 20s travelling, enjoy couple time with my husband, sort my house and career out. I had my first at 25 and don’t regret it but I wish I had more time with my husband to lie in and do lazy brunches!

Sconehenge · 30/10/2023 10:13

I agree that you should aim to have an only when most people in your circle are having kids. Back home this would have been 26/27 for me, now in the big city it’s 34/35 (right now which is why we are ttc!)

user1483387154 · 30/10/2023 10:13

around 28 years old for me would have been an ideal age for me.

Poniesandrainbows · 30/10/2023 10:15

Mid 20s. If you have an only when you're older , it's more likely you'll need their help looking after you and they'll have no siblings to share the load with.

Mazuslongtoenail · 30/10/2023 10:15

36

Onethingatatime23 · 30/10/2023 10:17

29/30 same age as I had DD1. Married, owned our own home, had qualified in my job so easier to take time out/change jobs, enough energy to look after a baby/toddler, then you start to get more independence back in your 40s when you still have plenty of time to do other things.

elliejjtiny · 30/10/2023 10:17

22, same time as I started ttc my first baby.

GoodVibesHere · 30/10/2023 10:18

24

DrivingDSaround2023 · 30/10/2023 10:18

I had my first at 23 and think that was the perfect age for me.
Found it much harder having my second when nearly 30.

RoachFish · 30/10/2023 10:35

25-29 somewhere so that there is a greater chance of being around for longer.

rockinginarockingchair · 30/10/2023 10:40

I dont judge anyone at any age because we all have a story.

I had mine when i was young 16 &18 wouldent change a thing.