Age/Kids

[Belle of the Ball 051411]

How old were you and your significant other when you had your first child?

DH and I are just starting to think about expanding our family. I'm almost 31 and DH is 41. I hope we won't be the only "older parents" at parent-teacher conferences, lol.

How old was your child when you first took him/her to Disney?

[BrerGnat]

DH and I were 25 when we had our first son. We have always been among the youngest parents at our kids schools. I think parents in their mid 30s and older are the norm these days. You will probably have a lot more mommy friends your own age than I do. Most parents of kids my boys ages (6-8) are a good 10 years older than me.

We started taking our boys to Disneyland as early as 4 months. We lived very close, though, so we went often. WDW was when our boys were 5 and 4 the first time.

[Mickey'sGirl]

I was 29 (DH 31) with our first son, and 34 (DH 36) for our second son.

For the most part, we are older than the parents of our youngest son's classmates, but we are the same age for our older son's classmates parents.

DS#1 made his first trip at 3, DS#2 was 6 months old.

[Tiggerlovr9000]

I was 24 and my dh was 29 when our ds was born. We took him to wdw for the first time when he was 14.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I wouldn't worry about it at all! I know parents of all ages, and all that matters is that the kids are loved and taken care of.

As someone who works a lot with kids, we see parents who are very young for the age of their kids, and very old for the age of their kids, usually at the same time!

For me, I had my daughter on the young side at 22, and I always have people thinking we're sisters. ;)

As for the first Disney trip, DD was 6, but I would have done it sooner if we'd had the $$. But since then, we've made up for it with lots of trips.

[SBETigg]

I married at 21, honeymooned at WDW, brought home an unexpected souvenir, and became a mother at 22. We were young and had a lot of money issues early on, so we didn't return to WDW or bring the kids until they were 10 and 8. I wish I'd had the means to bring them sooner, but I'm glad we were responsible with our money and put paying off our debts ahead of our fun. And since then, we've been able to go every few years, stay our way (deluxe) and enjoy our family time. I was always one of the youngest mothers at schools and functions. While we did struggle early on, the beauty of our situation is that we're enjoying time with our adult kids when we're still young-- and we're also able to enjoy things we didn't get to do when we were young and couldn't afford it anyway.

I have no regrets. I would have no regrets at any age. My children have brought me so much joy, and challenges, but mostly joy. Most of my friends had their first babies between 30 and 40.

[buzznwoodysmom]

We were pretty young when we had our kiddos. I was 22 (DH 26) when we had our first, then I was 24 (DH 28) with our second.

We first took our kids to WDW when oldest DS was 2, and youngest DS was just 9 months old.

[DVC2004]

There's never a "right" time or age. We were young - 21 and 25 (DH) when we had our first. My oldest will be 15 next month. I wouldn't do it any differently. LOL I had been mistaken for my boys older "sister" a few times which always makes us all laugh, one time in particular a couple of preteen girls siad something snotty to me and I had to tell them, I'm the mom so you can stop or I'll come have a talk with your moms. Ha ha.

My boys were 4 1/2 and 3 the first time we took them, and we've been back every year since. It was so fun to take them the first time, but even more fun the second time. They remembered things so they weren't scared, enjoyed the characters a little more, didn't need to take lots of naps, could walk a little more without the stroller. Trip number 1 was "practice" I always like to say. We also did the DVC tour on that second trip and joined before their 3rd trip.

It's been a blast, every second of it. :) :cloud9:

[amd780]

Our first child is due in 3 weeks - DH is 30 and I will be 29 just 3 days before my due date. :) We more than likely won't make it down to WDW for at least another two years.

[minnie04]

I was 24 my DH was 23 when we started our family. DD was 2 when we took her for the first time. It was her Birthday gift. DS went when he was 1 1/2. DS went when he was 11 months :mickey:

There is never a "perfect" time to start. I think you just know when it’s right!! The only thing I did do was wait between kids. I waited 4 years to have my second child. I really enjoyed everything with my DD before starting diapers again with my DS. And the third seven years after that, which looking back I would have done closer only because my DS (8) thinks the older kids get to do everything and he can’t do anything...lol..

DD (20) gets to go out late at night. DS (16) gets to go with friends to hang out. It’s hard to explain that one day he will get to do all these things and more, but he doesn’t want to hear it now. :D

[disneymom15]

We were marry for 10 years before we had our daughter. I was 30 and DH was 32. Our first family trip was Dec 1995 (I had been to DL & WDW as a child) our daughter was 5.

[DizneyRox]

Guess I'm the old guy... Late 30's and no regrets. I enjoyed life when I was young enough to, and learned from others mistakes. ;)

The little one went around 18 months.

[kakn7294]

DH and I were both 25 when DD17 was born and she went to WDW at 13 months. I was 30, he was 31 when DD12 was born and this poor, neglected child didn't get to WDW until she was 3 yo. Parents in our school district really range in age with our age group right smack dab in the middle.

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

We were on the VERY young side. I was 20 and DH was 18 when our twins arrived. They did not visit WDW until they were 12 yrs old. We proceeded to have 2 more children before we hit 30. We now have adult twins, and 2 high schoolers and are often the youngest of the PTA meetings. But I would not change a thing. When I hit 50 in a few years, all my children should be in or have graduated from college.

[Disney4us2]

I went against tradition and am a single mom. My Mr. Right developed a glioblastoma brain tumor and passed away about 2 years later. No one else came along... so hence a single mom by choice.

I had Jessica at the age of 45 after 2 years of fertility treatments. Finally did IVF and it worked... BOTH times. The first one ended up with a miscarriage and the second was Jessica. I call her my perk of the job since I worked for my RE (fertility specialist). She also delivered Jessica and it was fun having an ultrasound at lunchtime to see her almost everyday.:cloud9:

Her first trip to Disneyland was at the ripe old age of 3 months. I got the itch to get my pass back and started her going on a regular basis at 15months. She has literally grown up at Disneyland.

Knowing what I know about fertility...DON'T WAIT. The older you get, the harder it is to get pregnant. Good luck

[Disney Doll]

I married young (21), but didn't start a family right away. I was 28 when my oldest was born DH was 34. We were 31 and 37 when our second was born. Our first born took his first Disney trip for his first birthday. Our youngest went for the first time at 9 months.

[MNNHFLTX]

I was 31 when my son was born, my husband was 29 (a younger man--gasp! ;)

We first started taking him on day trips to WDW when he was 2 years old, since we lived in central Florida. Because we lived so close, it was nice to just take things in "toddler-time". In fact, it occurred to me a few years back that we never ever rented a stroller or brought one from home. We just went at a slower pace or he rode on my husband's shoulders. :mickey:

[disney obsessed]

I was 27, then 30, then 33.

I had a lot of younger moms who were great friends and we had a lot in common because the kids were the same age and into the same things.

My kids first went when they were 7, 4 and 1 1/2.

[Briansmom]

We had our first child at age 27 after we had been married almost 6 years. Her first trip was 3 weeks before her 3rd birthday. Our second child was born when I was 38....yikes...old mama! Since he has special needs and couldnt handle the sensory input, his first trip was not until he was 9 1/2. But we've been every year since then to make up for it!!

I agree with previous posters that the ages of the parents in your child's grade will be a big range. It's been that way with both of ours even though they are 11 1/2 years apart. Go for it when you feel ready....both of ours were 'surprises' but I wouldnt change any of it. It's fun especially when you get to pass on your love of Disney to them! :cloud9:

[Dulcee]

We don't have any yet but hopefully will by the time we're 26-27.

For another example though my Mom was 19 when she had my oldest sister and in her mid 40s with my younger sister, so its safe to say she's been the young, "normal" and older Mom in quiet a few situations.

And as far as WDW, the youngest to go was me, at 6 months old :)

[Ian]

I was 32 and my wife 29 when our first DD was born. 36/33 when DS was born and I was (gulp) 40 when my twins were born.

What I find interesting, though, is how many of DD's friends parents are the same age as we are, if not older. When I was young most parents seemed like they had kids a lot younger.

[Katzateer]

I got married when I was 20, had our first daughter when I was 35 and our second when I was 40. We were older than most of the preschool parents but we made a lot of great friends and the age difference really doesn't matter when you are adults with young children.

The only regret I have with being an older parent, our girls missed out on a lot of family that has passed away-family members they never really got to know well.

I took our oldest to WDW when she was around 3or 4 with relatives. My husband had no desire to go. Once our second daughter was born, I insisted he go and now he won't miss a year without a trip to Disney. Our youngest had her first trip at about 18 months old. And our youngest Stephanie has been to WDW over 20 times!!

[DonLefNY]

I was 39 and my wife was 33 for our first. And yes, later on I was mistaken quite often as my kids grandfather when I volunteered at their elementary school.

Sorry, forgot the second part of the question. Our kids were 2 and 3 for their first trip to WDW back in 1995.

[AgentC]

I was 38 when my son was born and 40 when my daughter was born. So far the worst part of being an older parent was that all my ob paperwork listed me as having "advanced maternal age". :D

Even though my community tends to have a lot of younger mothers, I have not had a problem at school. My daughter's preschool class has a good mix of parent ages. My son's kindergarten class seems to have more parents on the older side- 30's-40's.

Both of mine went to Disney between 6 and 8 months for the first time, but we live close by. If we lived further away and didn't make as many trips I may have held off until they were 2 or 3.

[Belle of the Ball 051411]

Thanks for your responses everyone. I was more curious than anything. It seems there is a good mix of parent ages.

A lot of people I went to high school with have 2-3 kids already so I was feeling a bit behind. DH and I definitely got married later in life than most people we know. We both went to school, and then developed ourselves professionally, lived the single life, then we met and dated 2.5 years, got engaged and then got married last year. The nice thing about having kids later in life is that we both got to really "live" during our 20's, and feel pretty comfortable financially. We don't plan to spoil our kids rotten or anything but feel we can provide for them the way we want to.

It's funny, when we went to DH's 20 year high school reunion, some of his classmates had children who were getting ready to go to college! We were joking that at his next reunion we'd have young kids and some of his classmates would be grandparents.

Hopefully within the next year or so, I'll have good baby news to share with all of you!

[stephicakes]

I love reading everyone's stories! Everyone is so different and that is what makes the world so great :)

I was very young when I had my DD - I was only 19! Since I was a single mom from the time I was pregnant, working and putting myself through college, we were BROKE, BROKE, BROKE so no big vacations to Disney for us! Needless to say I was always the youngest parent compared to her classmate's parents! But it has its advantages too - we more less grew up together and are very close :dance: When I met my DH about 5 years ago, he was already a HUGE Disney fan and got us hooked! The first time he took us to Disney was SO special - I think that is when we really realized we were all meant to be together! I have a very sweet picture of my DD and DH holding hands for the first time walking around the resort together :cloud9: So Disney is a very special place for us!

I think no matter WHAT age you become a parent - it is so special and you do your best because you love your kids so much! Good luck expanding your family and you will do great!!
:yay:

steph

[Jeri]

I was almost 28 when my 1st DS was born, and I was almost 34 when the second DS was born. And then I was 41 when our surprise DD was born!!

We are done!!! No more. I too am one of the older mom's at my 2nd sons school and for sure when my DD starts school ( she's only 15 months).

We took our 1st to Disney when he was 2 and the 2nd one went the 1st time at 15 months, but DD will be 2 1/2 when we go again.

I will say it is hard having them spaced out so far, but that wasn't a choice we had. I had been told I couldn't have kids, but they couldn't figure out why. Needless to say I can and did, without any intervention.

[Kenny1113]

I was 22 with I had first DS DH was 30 (brought him home on DH 31 bay) and 25 w second DS.
While I am significantly younger than most of the parents in first DSs class. Like a previous poster said it really doesn't matter.

DS10 was 6 months old the first time he went. And DS8 was also around 6 months old (for some reason I don't remember the trip, but I have pictures of it ):mickey:

[January-2007]

DH and I were both 24 when I got pregnant and 25 when DS made his grand entrance into this world. His first trip to Walt Disney World was when he was 7 months old and it was fabulous. He's since been to Disneyland and Walt Disney World for a second time and he's only 2 and a half. I am sooo looking forward to making him a big brother!!!

[diz_girl]

Another old mom here. I'm 42 now and I was 37 (2 wks shy of 38) when DS4 was born and I was 41 when DS1 was born. DH is 50 and was 45 (almost 46) when DS4 was born and 49 when DS1 was born. We were married for 11 years before our eldest was born. A unique challenge at having a child at 41 is that I need reading glasses in order to clip my youngest's nails.

My sister was 37 and 39 (her husband 43 and 45) with her two and a close friend of my sister and I was 39 and 41 with her two. When all the kids get together they have a blast.

Another close friend just had her first child a month ago, right after she turned 40.

We took our eldest on his first trip to WDW when he was 16 months old (back in December 2008) and our youngest when he was 10 months old (this past November).

[Georgesgirl1]

I was 28 and DH was 29 when ODS was born. We were 30 and 31 when YDS was born. We seem to be around the same age as most of the other parents in our kids' preschool classes although there are parents who are much younger and much older as well.

ODS went to WDW for the first time when he was 6 months old and YDS was 11 months old. We believe in taking them young and often!

[missouridisney]

We were married 5 years before we had children (husband was in Air Force, wanted to be home to start family) I was 25 when 1st son was born and 27 with 1st daughter THEN!!! 10 years later at the ripe old age of 37 we were blessed with our 2nd daughter (graduated from college this past week:). We were the oldest parents with everything, my "friend" said I would be the only one in the delivery room with gray hair. Thankfully we had friends who had children the same age as our younger 2 and also had a child later, so we were able to share all the school events with our same friends.

[Aurora]

I was 33 when I had my first child, 35 for second, 41 for third. I thought I would be much older than the moms of children in my youngest son's class, but I've found that many of us are in the general vicinity, and a few are only one or two years younger than me.

As others have said, it doesn't seem to make much difference, except for one thing: I've found I tend to be more mellow about kids' behaviors and activities than some of the younger moms. I just don't freak out about some of the smaller stuff, and that sometimes causes problems with people who think I should be more judgmental. :shrug:

Oldest daughter was 1 for her first WDW trip, but that was because DH was staying at the Dolphin for a conference. Next trip was a Memorial Day weekend with DD 3 and DS 1.

[DisneyDog]

DH and I were married for 8 years before we had our DS. I had just turned 32 when he was born, and DH was 34. We lived in FL at the time, so we took DS to WDW for the first time when he was 2 months old.

As far as age, my SIL was in her late 40s when they adopted their baby from China. You are going to find first-time moms and dads of all ages.

[Georgesgirl1]

As others have said, it doesn't seem to make much difference, except for one thing: I've found I tend to be more mellow about kids' behaviors and activities than some of the younger moms. I just don't freak out about some of the smaller stuff, and that sometimes causes problems with people who think I should be more judgmental. :shrug:



That's interesting because my experiences as a teacher have been that the parents who waited until much later are more uptight about things and the younger parents are pretty easy going.

[Aurora]

That's interesting because my experiences as a teacher have been that the parents who waited until much later are more uptight about things and the younger parents are pretty easy going.

That IS interesting. Maybe it's regional. :laughing:

[Mousefever]

I was 2 hours and 54 minutes away from my 27th birthday when my son was born. Hubby was 44. Hard to believe that DS will be 14 this month!!!

Jacob was 6 the first time we went to DW. He was a bit timid when it came to rides and such. I remember telling him to be as brave as he possibly could, because this was probably our only trip to Disney World! Of course, by the time our return flight landed in Denver I was already planning our next trip!

Amy

[Tink#64]

Another "older mom" here! I was 32 when 1st DS was born & 33 when the second was born, they are 18 months apart. I was older & I wanted my kids close together, my brothers & I are all 6 years apart! :ack: For me, being a mature (uh hmm :blush:) parent, for "me" was awesome! I had had my fun & many wonderful experiences &I was so happy & ready to focus on my DS's when they were born! For me, the timing was perfect & I can't imagine my life any differently!

I'm definitely not alone, of the 82 girls in my Senior year of my Catholic School class, 9 of us had 8th graders (oldest DS) in their Catholic school class together! How awesome is that? I don't think there's any right or wrong age, it's just whatever works/happens for you! God works in many wonderful & mysterious ways!

We made our very first (1st trip for DH & myself also!) when DS's were 4 & 6! I planned that trip from the time that my younest DS was born! I knew that I wanted to wait until the boys were past the diaper, nap & stroller stage! It was a most magical trip! :cloud9: As have been every trip since!