How do I handle feeling behind when my kid is much younger than peers?

homeslicenoise · 2025-12-12T13:30:09+00:00

I married at 36 and became a dad at 40. Most folks my age have kids in college or later, but my oldest is still in third grade. At work, I chatted with a buddy about his school costs. I quipped, “Oh, good for you. You’re going back to school?” He shot back, “No, it’s for my daughter.” 😬

Zingpocket

My dad was 57 for his first kid, 60 for me.

You'll be fine

mustankrag98

I’m turning 41 this Saturday! My oldest is 21, my youngest is 2. I also have a 13‑year‑old and a 16‑year‑old in the mix.

monkeystrop

First kid I was 33 my wife was 42

apynick42

I am 41 with a 17‑month‑old. Same situation as you: most of my friends have kids in or starting high school soon.

BlackCatRaze

I'm 35 with a 3‑month‑old; I feel you, lol. All the parent groups here consist of people about ten years younger than me.

RasputinKalle

Damn, I felt like crap was rough. First at 21, second at 27, smh. Something about the youngest keeping you up till 1 am and then you have to get up at 7:30 to drop the oldest at school; it makes you want to say “fuck these shits” every morning just to get up and do it again, lol.

kilgradyfan

Had our son at 42. He's 4 and I'm 46.

clearskybuild

I was 50 when my son was born.

kayajayaGeek

First was at 26, second at 28 🤷‍♂️

KappaVest

I have 6 kids. Oldest 23. Youngest 7. Nothing wrong with being an older dad.

JasonTrey13

42 with a 18 & 20 year old. Got married at 21. Damn that was a while ago!

MacheteNikonKid

I was a young dad and actually became a grandpa at 40. I'm 44 now with three grandkids, and I just couldn't do the newborn phase again at my age.

redplumsource42

I was already older than most parents when I started. I was 33 when we had twins #1 & #2 (🤣). I was 44 when #3 arrived.

FraniQSchogGurt

36 is the max, 9 the oldest and 1 the youngest. Even at 36 I feel too old to have a 1‑year‑old. The idea I’ll be in my mid‑50s when she graduates? Weird vibe. My dad was 40 when I graduated, 43 when my sister did. He had his 40s on lock.

TugroidFlux

First at 21, second at 23. Honestly, I’d love to be on a cruise somewhere while my friends are stuck changing diapers 😂😂😂

GreenCrunchLuck9

30 with a 15 year old,6year old and a 4year old😅

DesiSodaJoey

Had my first at 17, twins at 27. Now I’m a grandpa. Good on you, but at 45 I lack patience for little babies.

clockworkxharry52

I'm 38 with a 2‑year‑old and a 6‑month‑old. I love my kids, but honestly, getting up and down off the floor sometimes hurts.

ForetuennyZobix

27 when my oldest was born.

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