[Cayogirl]

Yep, it has to be better. More patience. More money. I had my heap of fun so no hang ups that I can't get out and lead a life. lol. I have energy enough, Ihavemore than my 22 year old babysitter that's for sure. Exercise. Fun and not so serious about what doesn't matter. I'm sure that makes us pretty good parents. I was 39 when I adopted Ryan at 2months 4 years ago. I would have hated to have had a child any time before that.

Denise

[Blackcat66]

You know...I never really thought that 35+ was old for having children. At 39, I have a SD, 16 and SS, 12 and just felt the urge to have children of my own this year. We began the process a few months ago, but still may have a bc in a few years after all is finalized. I agree with a few posters here that said they weren't ready and were committed to jobs, etc. It just goes to show that there is no 'official' timeline when it comes to parenting.

[Beyonder Queen]

HI. I am 57, almost 58 and have been fostering since 2000. My husband and I adopted a 9 year old and a 14 year old in May of this year. But in fostering, we have parented children from 2-16. We also adopted our first foster child after she was 16, which is a whole different animal.
I call parents over 50 "Beyonders" because at conferences, when they do the demographics, they always ask how many are fifty and beyond. I call myself the Queen of the Beyonders.
Things are different when you are older. So many times older parents have health issues of their own, and have suffered loss in their lives ( added to the issue of loss the kids bring into the family.)
We also have less stamina and--admit it or not--menopause with its related symptoms plays into the mix.
I surfed the web and discovered there was little out there by way of support for older parents. ( from 1970 to 1990 the number of GRANDPARENTS raising their grandkids jumped by 70%!) and I started a website devoted to support for older parents/foster parents/ grandparents. The site features humor, resources for nutrition and other info as well as games and stories.
It is called THE BEYONDER COURT. URL http://beyonderqueen.tripod.com/

My daughter just had another child--she is 35. But a woman I heard about on the news gave birth at 66, so who's to say what an older parent is? Older than what? Anyway, good luck, and--come by the "Court."

[SingleMama2B]

Hi "Dee1234", I see that this is an older post from 12/05, but thought I would add alittle...

I adopted my DD when I was 42.5 years old, and DD was 8.5 years old!!! I am single and DD is my only child. I was too very career driven, get my house, etc. Hoping that my prince charming would mysteriously show up... Nope, only a ton of FROGS, found out that I could not have children the old fashion way, and then a 'chance' phone call happened, and here at the age of 44.5, I am the HAPPIEST MOM in the WORLD!!!

So, basically, not how I had dreamed since I was little, but how wonderful it is.... I am more tired (working full time, still bonding, teaching english, customs, etc., tons of homework for both of us, as I work in the evening from home to make up 2 hours I leave early from work, etc.) BUT IT IS SOOOOO WORTH it. So maybe less energy or at least your energy is placed in different areas, definately more patience, I no longer sweat the SMALL STUFF, found a new appreciation of our country and also the small everyday things, that we are soooo use to and take for granted. I could be having a bad day from a situation at work, and then I pick up my daughter, and she smiles, runs into my arms and gives me the biggest bear hugs.... That is what life is about, and I can see that now!!!!

Blessings...............