The trend to postpone having children has risen over the last 40 years, with an increase in the percent of births to women over the age of 35 jumping from 1% in 1970 to 14.2% in 2009.
There has been a corresponding increase in the average age a woman has her first child, up from 21.4 in 1970 to 25.2 in 2009.
This trend in increasing age for motherhood is frequently reported as a negative occurrence. However, there are a number of benefits associated with waiting to have children:
One of them being financial stable. Older parents are often more financially stable than their younger counterparts. This stability typically comes with lower stress levels for the parents, since worrying about paying the bills is not taking away precious time from spending time with their growing family.
Education. Women with more education typically spend more time interacting with their children, even if they work more hours away. Plus, studies have shown that mothers who are educated tend to push their children to do well in school and are avid supporters in their children’s journey to future professionals. Not only that, but depending on the education, some mothers feel more comfortable bringing a child into the world when they have a better understanding of child and family psychology. A sometimes required course in college.
Life experience. Women who have accomplished their career and life goals before having children may have fewer regrets. They may even appreciate the experience of children to a greater extent since they accomplished most of the things they wanted before having children.
And of course, these are all great things, but waiting too long to have children also has its complications. Did you know that by the age of 30 women lose 90 percent of all their eggs? That number increases to 97 percent by the time they are 40. If you are interested in learning more on the benefits, check out this article for more information.
