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Prejudice about older mothers unfounded?
Filed under: Just For Moms, Your Pregnancy
I recently posted about Memnune Tiryaki, the 64-year-old Turkish woman who gave birth to a healthy baby boy this October. As I read all your comments, I realized that many of us think the same things when we read stories like this one. Will she live long enough to see her child grow into adulthood? How will she have the energy at 64 that I don't even have at 32? What kind of health concerns will the child have? Is this right? Is this fair to an innocent child?
Well this new study, to be released by the University of Southern California, says we're wrong to have these thoughts. Of a 150 mothers aged 30 and up, the study found there to be no difference in the capacities of the 50+ mothers.
The study has been criticized for having a small sample size and for not investigating the effects of older parents on children. Many of the women in the study had younger partners, which may have affected their coping skills and energy levels.
I don't know about you, but I have a super helpful, boisterous partner and I still feel like I'm too old to do this some days.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-24-2006 @ 4:17PM
Mammacheryl said...I think that older mothers know what they're getting into. Any stamina or health issues they may face, they deal with and keep parenting. I can't imagine an older person would decide to have a child, and then poop out on all the duties and obligations. More power to them, for being able to raise capable, competent kids!
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10-24-2006 @ 5:18PM
leech said...this sounds great! but the psychologocal impact is VERY important, and from these positions a younger mother is MUCH better....
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10-24-2006 @ 4:42PM
Phc said...Maybe the bottom line is that at 30 or 50, nobody functions well on no sleep.
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10-24-2006 @ 11:33PM
Mary said...I was a young mom at 18. I am now on my second go around at age 52, due to adoption and fostering. I am much better at it this time around - and I was pretty darn good the first time. I have always been a single mom - maybe that makes the difference - my energy is focused on my kids and me. The first time I had one child - I now have 6 between the ages of 3 and 14 - several of them special needs. I THINK I have more energy this time but it is probably because I am better at prioritizing. I also work from home at my own business (pros and cons there) and so I don't feel guilty about not spending enough time with the kids. First time around I worked outside the home - very long hours. As an older mom I spend a lot of time playing with kids and acting goofy with them because I realize how important that is; plus, it doesn't matter to me what the rest of the world thinks because I am very confident in what I am doing - not SO much as a younger mom. As a young mom I spent a lot of time on my career and getting ahead. I am here now (ahead) and I can relax and enjoy. I also have wisdom and patience that I did not have has a younger mom.
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