Ok yo become a Dad to a newborn at 57?

[WaterBed]

Apart from being desperate to crack the joke

“i really hope so - I only live at 55”

in all seriousness - I personally think it’s fine to be a Dad age 57 when your OH has a newborn. Any thoughts ?

@Praying4Peace I remember thinking that when Linda McCartney died in the 1990’s. She was known for her vegetarian diet and outdoorsy lifestyle, but she still developed and died from cancer in her 50’s. My Mum was also very active and healthy until she developed a chronic disease in her 40’s. Some people are unlucky despite their healthy lifestyles.

Far too old, he’ll have a 13 year old when he’s 70 fgs

Have NC’d for this, been on MN for 8 years.

DH(56) and I, quite a bit younger, are having our first and only next month. DH has two grown up DC and I have two primary school-aged children. Grown up DC don’t live with us (haven’t since I’ve known him) and being totally honest, this DC was an accident. I was very worried at the beginning, not because of DH’s age but because neither of us wanted any more and this means we will need to upsize which is very expensive where we live. The age isn’t ideal honestly but he is the best (step)dad to my DC, he couldn’t do enough for them and DS is closer to DH than anyone else in the world. So I know he’s going to be a great dad, despite the circumstances not being optimal. Life isn’t black and white.

Sadly no. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/24/were-totally-smitten-boris-and-carrie-johnson-welcome-fourth-baby

This 46 year old slim, non smoking and non drinking woman with cancer is really enjoying some of the hubris on display here from people who think they can make themselves immune to ill health.

In answer to your question OP, it wouldn’t be my choice but it’s not my life and the desire to be a parent is very strong and often doesn’t come with a side of logic. I became a parent in my early 30s and my own parents were not much older than your OH. They only had a few years of really being at full health and being active grandparents never mind parents before their health deteriorated. I’m really envious of peers who have fit parents who can play an active role in their grandkids’ lives. But some of that is luck. And genetics. I certainly didn’t expect to be hit with cancer when I had a kid at primary school but there you go.

This 46 year old slim, non smoking and non drinking woman with cancer is really enjoying some of the hubris on display here from people who think they can make themselves immune to ill health.

Yep. I think people who have been hit by ill health out of nowhere (and there are MANY people like that) or have an accident that made them disabled will agree with you there. Psychologically it’s a nice way to ignore the risks (like 20% of the population is disabled) but maybe not the best one when taking decisions like having a kid.

@SusanChurchouse i hope you are (or have) recovering well.
All the best to you!

Wrong thread?

What? I thought I understood the joke but now I'm totally confused. Are you sure it isn't just a pun about door numbers?

It is a pun about door numbers

Me neither. Can someone explain?

Just seen that the joke is apparently about door numbers.

But where does sex come in then?

God's pretty gross then.

I think it is fine to be a father at aged 57. You have more wisdom and life experience for your son or daughter to draw upon as they navigate life.

Providing you live well into your 60s and 70s.

Personally, I think 40s is pushing it. And that's with dh being that age when we had ours. 40+ years is a big gap in experiences. No one cares what your school days/teenage life was like then... it's too far removed to be relevant.