First Time Dad at 50

[Gadget69]

Hi All.
Go easy on me

I am currently 49 and my wife is 41 and we met 9 years ago. Both of us had given up on the possibility of being parents naturally.

6 weeks ago we both found out my wife was pregnant. We could not stop smiling. I was overjoyed.

Now whilst my wife is currently on cloud 9. I am currently going through a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. On one side, its going to be awesome, I am so happy I cant wait to tell everyone. Its something I've always wanted and I think we will be good parents.

Then on the other side, i have these major doubts if I am too old. Can i do this? Will i get looked at differently being the 'old man' in the playground or park? will everyone think I am the grandad rather than the dad. Will our child dislike us for conceiving so late in life and their parents wont be doing what their friends younger parents do (don't get me wrong I am fit and healthy and am young at heart). I don't know any first time fathers who are my age, so cant really ask anyone for any thoughts....good or bad.

That's where you guys hopefully can join in and any thoughts would be gratefully received. Am I worrying over nothing?, i guess its something I have to come to terms with. I know the positives will outweigh the negatives, my brains all over the place, and im not the pregnant one

Congratulations ! I’d say the fact you’re even having these thoughts mean you’ll be a great dad.
Relax and enjoy it!

Congratulations! You’ll be fine. This baby is wanted and will be loved and cared for.

All parents, irrespective of their age worry about all kinds of things. We are all winging it to a certain extent. Like all parents should, you should make sure you’ve made preparations in the event of anything happening to you or your wife.
You may occasionally be referred to as a grandad accidentally, but don’t let this bother you, correct the person by saying simply ‘no I’m Daddy’.

My Dad was 45 when I was born. I lost him at 26.

Make of that what you will. I won't say anymore for fear of being ripped apart; so I have just stated facts.

My dad became a dad for the third time at 46. My step mum was 32. He's retired now. My sister is 16 this year. They have a good relationship and can spend more time together. When he had me and middle sister he was often too busy working away. He lives with her and we live about 13 hours away so I think she probably has the best memories of a loving dad out of the three of us! Mega congratulations. You'll be fine :)

My partner has been 45 and 49 when our children were born.
He looks 35 so doesn't get perceived as an older dad but he worries about staying fit and healthy.
It's not been an issue yet but ours haven't started school yet! People have always had children late in life, it has pros and cons like anything. And you would be having fears and doubts whatever your age. Congratulations

A friend became a dad at 50 although he did have an older dd by a previous relationship. He is a good dad but maybe a little strict, this might partly be his personality though. On the plus side he is a lot more confident about doing what he feels is right for his dc. One thing he was keen on is a low sugar diet and he got a lot of people telling him he should allow dc sugary things more often but he had the confidence to say no only at parties and that's what he has stuck to.

Congratulations to you both.

You’ll go through the same emotions as everyone else. Actually, quite a few of my peers were the same age as you as a first time parent.

My df became a dad again at 57 (I think) - his daughter just got married.

Depending on the demographic of where you live, you may get a few comments. But shrug your shoulders. My half sister did feel she was judged at school (but she lived in an area with young parents).

I moved recently and the parents in my new area thought I was the granny. Really don’t care.

Enjoy. Amazing news.

I’m nearly 39 and currently 31 weeks pregnant with twins. My DH is 48. It’s not what we planned but 6 years of trying and several rounds of IVF and here we are. My DH doesn’t feel his age and regularly runs half marathons. Our babies will be so loved by both of us.

Please don’t worry too much, you can’t change your age you just have to make the best of things

Xx

Congratulations, age doesn't matter been Thier for your child does. My oh parent's didn't have him to later life but he loves them. He lost one at 13 bit this was due to health issues.