when did you start a family?

[beckymcfc]

Hi all

Just wanted to know at what age you started a family and what your thoughts are on being a young / older mum?

I was 25 when I had DS and expecting DD any day now, I'm 28.

In many ways it's worked well, my career is kinda long-term in terms of investing time and effort for no financial reward immediately but by the time it kicks off, the children will be at school so it'll be easier to commit the kind of time I'll need to. Also I suppose having energy, my parents being young enough to enjoy helping out as much as they do, not worrying about fertility issues later etc

BUT I probably would have waited a few more years if I'd really thought about it and knew how hard it would be! But would prob still have had DC1 by now....

I was 18, and now 18 weeks pregnant at 21. And I have no regrets :D I have a perfect little boy who I wouldn't change for the world. I have still managed to get a good career, paramedic, and my partner and both of their dad is an electrician. So still managed to pursue our dreams. :) age isn't really an issue, everyone is different. No life is ever the identical. I'm proud to be a young mum.

The only real 'regret' (if you can call it that) is none of my friends had babies - in fact it's only now that a very small handful are starting to. I've luckuly found a brilliant new friendship group of mums but by being the only one of my pre-baby friends to have children, I think I've tried a bit too hard to prove I can carry on like everyone else, made a real point of not talking about my son unless specfically asked about him etc, which are all my own issues completely, and a bit ridiculous when I look back on it. But then I haven't lost any of my old friends since becoming a mum, and it'll be nice when they all start finally hvaing children to give babies cuddles then hand them back knowing I've done my share of sleepless nights!

DC1 at 36 and DC2 at 38. Would have started a bit younger but had mc at 34 (would have been 35 when baby due)... Married at 33 so wouldn't have started much earlier. Was the right time for me, as so not ready for children in my 20s (and no interest in them whatsoever) - was busy travelling, working, being independent, experiencing life.