So I was watching the news this evening, catching up with what is going on in the world, and the headlines today were the news of a pregnant 63-year-old woman. After recieving IVF treatment, she and her 61-year-old husband are looking forward to the birth of their fourth child. She is seven months pregnant, so not long to wait!
I can't help but think that this is completely unfair to the child, and they are not considering just how challenging it will be for them physically. Children are hardwork, as they should know as they already have three children. There will be sleepless nights, chasing around after an excitable toddler, playing games, and providing support. It isn't just them that will feel the pressure though, what about the child? When the child is sitting their exams at school, and sixteen, their Mother will be 79, if they want to leave home, and go to university, their Mother will be then 81. Life Expectancy for females in Britain is 80 years old. I think them numbers speak for themselves.
I remember watching a television programme a while ago, about children who had older parents. I think sometimes we underestimate children, and their abilities to see things. One little girl pointed out that she saw most other childrens parents were much younger than her own. She worried about them, and their health. She worried that they would die. Should a child really have worries like that? I mean I'm sure it's something that goes through every childs head at some point, but should it be because their parents waited so late to have them?
I think it's wonderful that a child is brought into the world, and they will be loved and cared for, but it's not that simple is it? This couple already have children, so it's not like they were missing out on something. They wanted this child, and I'm sure at the moment they feel fit and healthy and more than capable of looking after a child. How long will that last though? Have they really thought about the future. Even just ten years down the line could see huge changes in their physical capabilities, and it will be some poor child that has to deal with that. That has to deal with the harsh reality of losing their parents very early in their life. I am 22, and I still need my Mum and Dad. When they are my age, their Mother will be 85. So somehow I imagine there will be some role reversal there.
It's done now, and there is no going back, and I do hope that everything goes well for them and the child. Lets hope their selfish needs don't get in the way of the child having a happy life. Even if they do only have a short time with their parents.