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Fred: “I was afraid of not being able to ensure physically”.
“I already had two other children, born from a first marriage, when Antony was born. My wife must have convinced me because I was afraid of not being able to physically keep up with the rhythms imposed by an infant. Of course, I have more experience, but the cries of a baby always stress me so much. And then, I feel a little out of step because some of my friends have children who are already independent. Fortunately, although my advanced age worries me a bit, my wife’s youth and enthusiasm make up for it. “
Fred, father of her third child at 45 years old.
Michel: There is no age to have children
“We waited more than ten years before having our fourth child. We were concerned that we might not be as forgiving in his teenage years as we had been with his siblings. In the end, the whole family treats her like a little queen. I am perhaps even more patient with her, than with her elders, and I also devote more time to her. When we made up our minds, many people did not understand our choice. Some have openly suspected us of wanting more allowances. But I know now that there is no age to have children, if it is to be happy. “
Michel, father of his fourth child at 43 years old.
Eric: Proud to be a young dad at 40
Eric has just had a second child at 44 years old.His partner Gabrielle testifies:
“Being a ‘late’ dad did not seem strange or aberrant to him since he was born himself when his father was 44 years old. He still had to be convinced because he already had a 14-year-old daughter, born from a first marriage, his divorce was in progress and he was afraid of letting himself be invaded. But, ultimately, Eric is rather proud of his status as a young dad. Our son was born very premature and he handled the situation with serenity, in part, I think, thanks to his age and his experience. Today, he is always available to play with him and gets involved a lot… except under constraints! “
Jean-Marc: A cooler education for my daughters
Jean-Marc is the father of six children, the last three of whom were born when he was 42, 45, then 50 years old. His wife Sabrina says:
“For our first two daughters, I didn’t have to convince him. But for the third, he started by refusing because his family told him that he was really too old to have another child. When she was born, he took care of her a lot so that I could also enjoy the two big ones. He’s a cake dad and he himself admits that he educates them in a much cooler way than his elders, born from a first marriage. Especially since he is not often at home because of his work, suddenly, he gives in on a lot of things when he is there. “
See also our file “Dad is often on the move”
Erwin: it’s easier to be a father at 40 when you don’t look your age
“I have a relatively young character, having coached young footballers for ten years. This late paternity is therefore no problem for me because I do not seem my age and, anyway, the eyes of others leave me indifferent. I am very involved in the education of my children. I also took parental leave and reduced my working time so that I could be at home with them on Wednesdays. In short, I feel perfectly good in my role as a father and I try to fulfill it as best as possible. “
Erwin, father of three after 45 years.
See also our Law sheet on “Parental leave”