What do you think is a good age to have a child(ren)?

We have no intentions of starting a family any time soon. That could change, though. With all these wonderful babies springing into the world I was curious as to everyones opinion on a good age to start having children. If you have a specific age (as in, one that is in between the ranges or not an option) would you be so kind as to say so? Also, why do you think that age or age range is ideal?

Edit: I understand that it is different for every individual which is one of the reasons why I am asking. I am not asking to get advice on when *I* should have kids. (just to clear up any confusion)

I would say 26-29 because I think it's important to be properly settled into a marriage before little kids come along, sometimes a screaming baby can make or break people ;)

It totally depends on the person or people and the situation. I know I'll be 30 in September and have just now started thinking of having children. It's perfect for me. :) But, waiting this long isn't what others want to do. It's a very personal decision, and, I didn't vote. ;)

Oops, I didn't mean to impose on anyones views. :(

Of course I meant what a person would do for themselves. :p Personally, I think I'd like to wait twelve years. That seems like a good, stable, age. I'd be out of college and in a stable job. :D

I think it is different for every individual.

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Originally Posted by Karen

I think it is different for every individual.

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I agree.

I am 18 years old and could NEVER imagine having a child at my age. I am still a child myself and would not be able to financially support another child.

I agree that it's different in every situation, some people should never have children at any age! I do feel that it is ideal if one can get out and live life awhile as well as build up financial and emotional security before planning children.

Well, Ashley is 18, and NEVER considered having a baby. She in fact was the one who always said she'd adopt rather than give birth to a baby herself. Sometimes having a child isn't something you plan according to age or finances. Sometimes major "oops" change your life when you're least expecting it... and nobody has ever regretted having a child no matter the age they were when they had them.

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Originally Posted by catnapper

Sometimes having a child isn't something you plan according to age or finances.

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Not trying to step on any toes, but I highly disagree.

You can plan not having a child at a certain age or stage in your finances, easily. I am 18 years old and don't plan to have sex until I am fully ready financially - JUST IN CASE.

Yes, everyone has different morals in life, doesn't mean anyone's wrong or right, but it is VERY possible to plan according to age and financials.

I personally don't want to go thru pregnancy, ever. It may change when I get married and the time is right for children in my family, but right now it isn't appealing to me. I'd love to adopt.

I said SOMETIMES.

If you go through life planning every little detail, then you miss out o wonderful surprises along the way. I never planned on marrying a man with 3 teenagers and being a grandmom at 33. Yet I feel so blessed that I am. If I lived my life according to some arbitrary plan, I'd have NEVER married my husband and wouldn't be experiencing this wonderful joyous moment of having a grandchild.

When I met my husband, I was making a good $10,000 a year more than he did. I had a great job and made GOOD money. If I had a child then based on finances, I'd be sorely surely surprised right now because I am making $15,000 less than hubby.

I stand by the idea that you can't always plan your life and when you'll have children SOMETIMES things just happen to change your life.

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Originally Posted by catnapper

I said SOMETIMES.

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I'm very capable of reading, thanks!

I was just expressing my opinion on your statement. I don't have every little moment in life planned. However, such a big commitment like that, in my life, needs to be planned and thought out. I wouldn't want having a child to be surprise - I'd want to be as ready I can possibly be.

As I said, everyone in life has their own morals.

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Originally Posted by catnapper

...and nobody has ever regretted having a child no matter the age they were when they had them.

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Not trying to pick on you here Kim ;), but I disagree with this sentiment although I think I understand how you mean it.. However some people DO have regrets about having a child at a bad point in their life. They may not regret the child itself but they regret having it at a time when they were unable to provide for him/her the way a child needs to be provided for. There are so, so many children who are born to parents who have no support at all, have no home even and have to stay in a shelter, and the parent(s) have to watch their child grow up without the opportunities many other children have.

Mental illness can also be a huge factor. Someone in a horrible depression having to deal with an unplanned child and without support may feel horrible regret and devastation over it, it can even interfere with bonding with the child. My mother worked for many years in child support enforcement, so she saw a lot of the not so happy sides of having unplanned children.

Very very sadly, not all parents love their children. I believe MOST do but there are those out there who treat their children horribly or blame them for their troubles, telling them horrible things like what a mistake they were. I can't imagine the tormented life these kids are brought up with, when they have parents who don't show love for them, parents who blame them for their lot in life. For the people who are like this, the children pay dearly for being born of an "oops".

whenever YOU are ready. My mom had me at 23 and my dad and she were clearly not ready because they divorced about 6 weeks later.

I had my first when I was 18, now I'm 21 and carrying my second. I want 4 before I'm 30! :D

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Originally Posted by catnapper

. and nobody has ever regretted having a child no matter the age they were when they had them.

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I have to disagree with that. I was a child protection worker for a number of years. I met many women from all walks of life who deeply regretted they had children. Not all of them were abusive to their children(not every family involved with CPS is abusive), but in some cases their kids paid a terribly high price for their mother's regrets.

Weins--you left off an option--Never! Stuart and I could financially, physically, emotionally support a child, but will soon be taking steps to ensure it never happens.