Eliza Hartley
If you have kids early, you know the joys and challenges it brings. If you wait, you know the peace and freedom associated with it.
Ah, the paradoxes of parenthood.
However, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to having children young. In fact, there are certain perks that come in the later stages of life that are often overlooked.
Some people realize these benefits more than others. And that’s usually because they’ve experienced these 8 specific things themselves.
Now, let’s dive into an article titled “People who have kids young often get to enjoy these 8 things later in life”.
1) Early independence
Having kids early means early responsibilities.
You learn to juggle diapers and sleepless nights, alongside work and personal life, at a young age. It’s a whirlwind, no doubt, and can be quite overwhelming.
However, once the kids grow up and leave the nest, you suddenly find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands.
While others your age may just be entering the phase of parenthood and grappling with the challenges it brings, you’ve already been there, done that.
You get to enjoy an early independence that many of your peers might not experience until much later in life.
It’s a breath of fresh air, a chance to rediscover yourself outside the role of being a parent. And it’s not just about having free time; it’s about having the energy and vitality to make the most of it.
Having kids young can be tough. But the freedom you get to enjoy later in life? Totally worth it.
2) Young grandparents
I’ll never forget the day my daughter came to me with the news – she was pregnant.
I was only in my early forties at that time. Most people my age were still dealing with their kids’ high school dramas, while here I was, about to become a grandparent.
And let me tell you, being a young grandparent is a blessing in disguise.
You get to relive the beautiful journey of parenthood, but this time without the constant worry and responsibility.
You get to spoil your grandchildren, shower them with love and then hand them back to their parents when it’s time for the tough stuff.
And the best part? You have the energy to keep up with them. You can run around in the park, play hide-and-seek, and even join in their dance-offs without getting exhausted.
In contrast, most of my friends became grandparents much later in life.
Although they loved their grandkids just as much, they often found themselves too tired or too busy dealing with their own health issues to fully enjoy the experience.
Trust me on this, becoming a young grandparent is one of the most delightful perks of having kids early.
It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.
3) Financial stability
Raising kids is expensive. From the diapers in their infancy to the college tuition in their adulthood, the costs of parenthood can be quite staggering.
But having kids young means you’ll likely finish paying for all these expenses earlier in life.
Once your kids are grown and financially independent, you can shift your focus towards your own financial goals.
You might choose to invest in a business, travel the world, or even retire early.
Here’s something to consider: The average retirement age in the United States is 63.
Now, if you had a child at 20, that child would be 43 by the time you retire.
Chances are, they’d be financially independent by then, giving you more freedom to enjoy your retirement without the burden of supporting your children.
In contrast, if you had a child at 30 or 40, you might still be supporting them financially well into your retirement years.
Having kids at a young age often leads to financial stability later in life – not a bad trade-off at all!
4) Lifelong companionship
When you have kids young, you get to grow with them. You’re not just their parent, but also their friend, their mentor, and their confidante.
You share in their joys and sorrows, their triumphs and failures, and all the little moments in between.
You get to see them blossom from wide-eyed children into competent adults, and it’s a journey unlike any other.
But here’s the icing on the cake – once they’re grown, they can be a source of support and companionship for you.
They can help you navigate the challenges of old age, provide emotional support when you need it, and simply be there for you as a friend.
In essence, when you have kids young, you’re not just building a family – you’re building lifelong companions who’ll be there for you in your golden years.
5) Learning resilience
When I had my first child at the tender age of 21, I had no idea what I was getting into. Sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the constant worry – it was a lot to handle.
But here’s what I learned: having a child young taught me resilience like nothing else could.
I learned to bounce back from sleepless nights, to keep going even when I was exhausted, and to adapt to the countless changes that come with raising a child.
I learned to be patient, to be selfless, and to put someone else’s needs above my own. And these lessons have served me well in every aspect of my life.
Now, in my fifties, I can handle stress much better than most of my peers. I bounce back from setbacks more easily and am more adaptable to change.
While having kids young was indeed a challenge, it was also a blessing in disguise. It taught me resilience, and for that, I am forever grateful.
6) Health benefits
You might think having kids young would take a toll on your body, but surprisingly, it could actually have some health benefits.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women’s bodies undergo massive changes. Hormonal shifts, metabolic adjustments, and physical transformations are all part of the process.
What’s fascinating is that these changes can have long-term health impacts.
For instance, research shows that women who have their first child in their early twenties or younger are less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who wait until their thirties or forties.
Also, having kids young means you’re likely more physically active during their growing years, chasing after toddlers and joining in their playtime.
This level of activity can help maintain a healthy weight, boost cardiovascular health, and improve overall fitness levels, which can be beneficial in the later stages of life.
While it might seem like having kids young would be hard on your body, it could actually set you up for better health in the long run.
7) Sharing in life’s milestone
When you have kids young, you get to share in their major life milestones while you’re still relatively young yourself.
You get to see them graduate, embark on their careers, get married, and even start their own families.
You get to be a part of these special moments, providing guidance and support, celebrating their achievements, and building beautiful memories together.
Being present for these milestones not only strengthens your bond with your children but also adds a sense of fulfillment and joy to your own life.
Although having kids young does come with challenges, the unique opportunity to share in these special milestones is a rewarding experience that makes it all worthwhile.
8) Personal growth
At the end of the day, having kids young is a journey of personal growth. It teaches you patience, resilience, selflessness, and love like nothing else can.
It challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and helps you discover strengths you didn’t know you had.
And while it’s certainly not easy, the personal growth that comes from having kids young is something that enriches your life in many ways – making you not just a better parent, but a better person.
Embracing the journey
If you’ve come this far, hopefully, you’ve seen that having kids young is not just about the challenges, but also about the unique joys and rewards it brings.
Because having kids young is not just about giving up your youth. It’s about gaining a lifetime of experiences, memories, and personal growth.
If someone has walked this path, they are not just a parent who had kids young.
They are likely individuals who have learned valuable lessons, enjoyed unique experiences, and grown tremendously as individuals.
Let’s celebrate these parents and the unique journey they’ve embarked on.
Their experience is not a cautionary tale but a reminder of the various paths life has to offer and the unexpected rewards that can come from embracing them.
Life doesn’t follow a set timeline. It’s about making the most of the path you’re on and treasuring the unique experiences and benefits that come with it.
