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I don't think there is any one ideal age to have children. All age ranges have their pros and cons.
I agree. My mom married and had kids really young (first at 19 and second at 21) and hated every minute of being a parent. I think she resented not being able to have that carefree time in her 20's that others had. Her sister didn't have her first until age 40 and was in a much better place financially and emotionally to handle the demands of motherhood. I don't think there's a right or wrong age, it has more to do with maturity and readiness.
I really do not know if there is an idea age. I do think it is better when you decide you want one and plan for a baby.
Even if the baby is a surprise, it all works out most of the time. I have known someone who had a baby at 20 and someone who had their first baby at 44. Loving a baby and taking care of a baby is what is important.
I had my first at 28, then another at 30 and my last at 32. All planned.
This is way too hard to say across the board. If you want to be an empty nester sooner you should have your kids younger. (I wish I had done this). However you may want to get to know your spouse better before bringing kids into the mix.
Considering in this hypothetical situation: ALL AGE RANGES HAVE THE SAME INCOME LEVEL and can financially afford a child.
In your opinion, which age do you think is most IDEAL to become a parent? And why?
Given the considerations you state and also considering I have never had kids and am retired, I said as young as possible for the energy I imagine one would need and also not to be too 'set in one's ways, ideas, etc'. Mostly the energy factor, lol
Age is irrelevant, especially given your stipulation of equal income level.
Maturity level is what matters.
I agree. I had my first at 19 and second at 27. The difference in my maturity level was remarkable. Not that I was a bad mother at 19, but a much better one at 27.
My kids were born when I was 24 and 30; I thought at the time that was about the right age honestly. But now that my kids are school age I'm finding that I'm usually by far the youngest parent, at least in the area I live now. I think this might be slightly regional when people are choosing to start their families. We adopted our youngest and the agency we worked with had a minimum age requirement of 25; makes sense to me.
Whenever they are emotionally ready to devote the necessary time and effort to raising a child instead of having a child as an expected accessory.
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