Here’s what they had to say:

1.

“People assume I regret being an older parent and that things just happened this way.

I actually planned to be an older parent from my youth.

A close-up photo shows a baby's hand gripping an adult's index finger gently

Anonymous, Panama

2.

“My beautiful child is unique.

(Of course, let’s state the obvious-no two kids are alike).”

Person with a child on their shoulders, seen from behind, enjoying a walk in a park. The child has arms outstretched, and the scene captures a tranquil, joyful moment

44, Minnesota

3.

“I grew up in a small town where most people marry young and have kids.

40, Tennessee

4.

A family of four holds hands in a circle outdoors

“People always ask us if the kids are our grandchildren.

48, New Mexico

5.

“That you’ll be too tired to play with your child.

Children with backpacks board a yellow school bus, guided by an adult in the doorway

My husband and I both have older children from previous relationships.

“He works from home and keeps him home three days a week.

My biggest regret is not having him sooner so we could give him a sibling.

An adult and a child sit on a bed facing a window, with the child being held close

Unfortunately, at 42, I doubt that’ll happen!”

NJ, USA

“Expectation: You’ll be too tired and old.

Reality:I understand and appreciate my body.I utilize my well-established relationships with medical professionals to keep me healthy.

Close-up of a baby's feet in a relaxed, spread-out position, with soft focus on the baby's body in the background

I know how to physically and mentally recover when I am zapped.”

43, Missouri

6.

I’d trade all of my success to have met my son sooner.”

A man holds a small baby while both look out of a window, seemingly deep in thought

40, Idaho

7.

“You are always older than your child’s friend’s parents.

You struggle to fit in and be accepted by many of them at school and sporting events.”

A person in a casual dress cradles their pregnant belly in a cozy living room

I have an established career as well as two young kids they dont get that.”

43, Arizona

8.

45, Colorado

9.

“I had my one and only two weeks before I turned 38.

I assumed that it would be easier since I was older and that I would have more patience.

I’m tired all the time.

Turns out I don’t have the patience.

My daughter is 10 now, and if I was younger, I probably would have more energy.”

48, California

“It’s not easier.

I was 38, my husband was 46.

I had heart surgery due to pregnancy issues when she was six months old.

I wish I had started sooner.

I’m too ill to give her a sibling.

I couldn’t adopt too sick for two kids and there are too many bills.”

edgywitch20

10.

“I had my two and only children at ages 42 and 44.

Hormones have been out of whack for years and will continue.

No ‘help’ from parents because they are just too old.

I haven’t been on a date with my husband in six years.”

sharpjellyfish61

11.

“The hardest part of being an older parent has been the judgment of some younger parents.

It still shocks me how insensitive some folks can be.

Never mind that he wouldn’t have existed in the first place had I not decided to wait.

I’m glad I waited and ecstatic that my son is here!”

peacefulgoose8437

12.

“That it will be harder in general!

It’s actually easier because of life experience.

43, New Jersey

13. dmcrowe12

14.

I can’t imagine going through this all with someone I didn’t have such a solid relationship with.

I could never have had a child in my 20s.

laughingnugget565

And finally…

16.

“Had my one and only at 42.

I am 47 with an almost 5-year-old, and I don’t regret it.

I was able to live life freely in my younger years enjoy college-travel and much more.

I can give my child things I didn’t have growing up like swim lessons and summer camps.

I don’t even indulge in alcohol anymore!

Love being an older parent!”

evilalligator90

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.