Additional Coverage:
- My wife and I had our daughter when we were almost 40. We’d been together for over a decade and were in a stable place to start a family. (newsbreak.com)
A local couple shares their experience of becoming parents later in life. They welcomed their daughter at age 39, a time they describe as the right moment for them.
They were among the oldest in their antenatal classes, but their excitement overshadowed any concerns about age. The couple felt well-prepared, both financially and emotionally, thanks to a stable, long-term relationship. They were ready to embrace the challenges of parenthood.
The father took paternity leave from his office job, becoming a stay-at-home dad for 18 months while his partner built her physical therapy practice. He cherished this time, bonding with his daughter and even pursuing a creative writing course that later led to a career change.
Their daughter’s childhood was filled with reading, playtime, and preschool. She also introduced her parents to new experiences, from competitive rowing and tae kwon do to school debates and spelling bees. Family adventures included muddy school trips, girl-guide activities, and weekend soccer games.
The couple shared their love of food and travel with their daughter, creating lasting memories like surfing lessons in Australia and exploring Singaporean food stalls. They credit their daughter with keeping them young at heart.
Parenting wasn’t without its challenges, from long flights with a toddler to lost cuddly toys. But the positive experiences far outweighed the difficulties.
Now, as their daughter embarks on her second year of law school, the couple reflects on their journey with pride. They believe that becoming parents later in life brought wisdom and patience to their parenting style. They feel prepared for the future, whatever it may hold.