[Tom]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I don't think having a kid over 40 is ideal either but my mother is 58 and she goes out more than I do I understand what you're saying but if you have had built a decent relationship with your kids as they're growing up, then you'll always be able to relate to them no matter what age you are. It's not much good being close in age if your relationship doesn't have good foundations. (not saying that all younger parents won't have good foundations of course)

My mum is about 50 and I'm no lightweight but her and her mates can drink me and my mates under the table

But I think its really important to not blur boundaries between parents and friends. They should be your friends but only to an extent.

Originally Posted by Ammi

I met my OH when I was very, very young. Our families didn't really think we would last as we were so young and we could easily have had a child in our teens to prove we were 'grown ups' and prove them wrong. We didn't, we were together about 14 years before we had our first child, we spent time just enjoying each other and travelling. I wonder if some teenagers do have children to get people to take them seriously and prove they are grown ups. The problem is, it's not until years later you realise how 'un' grown up you were when you were a teenager.

Its not really the same because I'm not a teenager, but at 22 you could probably stick me in the same bracket to an extent. I'm a new parent (still feels weird saying that!!) but its nothing to do with being taken seriously, it just happened and we went with it. I'm sure thats the same for a lot of others too but I think to an extent a baby is an accessory for some.