I had my kids young. I’m an empty nester at 45, and I happen to be dipping my toe into the dating pool for the first time in a very long time. Looking through online dating profiles, I’m genuinely surprised how many folks want to have children into their late 40s.

Ignoring the medical risks, this throws the timing of everything off. A former coworker is paying off his kids’ student loans in retirement.

My grandmother was 47 when she had my mother. I saw my mother struggle to care for her aging mother while at the same time raising children.