Whenever you feel is right and if you feel you have the right partner then go for it!! It took me 10 years after my first marriage to find the right husband for me and I was 38 when we had our 1 and only - btw he was 48 so I was cracking up about you no offense to those that are 30 - my husband at 48 does not have the energy of a 38 year old but he does have the financial security that I feel is just as important at the energy if not more important. And with our DD I don't know how he does it sometimes but he is able to keep up with her - my SS is 12 years older than our DD and I am very happy about that because I can't stand him and am so glad that he lives far away and really has nothing to do with us - his choice not ours!!

My parents are big supporters of the as early as you can to be able to support it yourself, if your husband god forbid dies or leaves.

I'm turning 23 this year, FDH is turned 35 this year, we're going to TTC starting this coming august which would put me at 24 when I become a momma. We (more so me than him) are financially, emotionally, and physically sound. We just had somethings we'd like to accomplish before we start trying (mostly has to do with some very heavy physical activities like martial arts seminars that I don't want to miss this year.)

I think whenever you believe you can get through it at least 25% unscathed.

I had my first baby at age 26 and it was a great age. I was still young and lost all the baby weight without trying. I had lots of patience. Then I had my second baby at age 32. This was 3 years ago. I am still trying to lose the baby weight this time. I find I have less patience. But the kids are not too close in age but the older one is definitely the mama to my 3 yr old. They are really cute together!

Me and my oldest sister are 12 years apart. I am not close with her at all. We never got along. She always thought she was my mother and still does. My other sister is 8 years older than me and I was not close with her until I turned 21. Then she deemed it ok to hang out with me. Now we are very close. They all still treat me like I am 10 yrs old. I am 35, married, have my own kids and yet I am still a baby to them!

My mother had my sister when she was about 19 or 20 and this year they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!

Well, I am a TEEN MOM. Now 42, with a 26 y/o, 23 y/o and 14 y/o. Was it right? HELL NO. But would I change it? NOPE. I am young & I am living my life now. No diaper bags, baby bottles, strollers, car seats, swings, toys all over my house, shit all over my house. NOPE, wouldn't change a DAMN thing! It was hard as hell though, but now I am free to do ME. My youngest is a freshman in HS and everything is A OK.

I was 25 when I had DS5 and 27 when I had DD4. I will say that I am glad I didn't wait too much longer or I would be REALLY tired from them. LOL There isn't a good age, just keep in mind the later in life you choose to have a child the more complications you may have as well during your pregnancy. Never know though, I have a friend who had her first baby at 35 and it was cake for her!

What does this have to do with step parenting or being a step parent? There is never an optimal time to have kids. IMHO, anything under 30 is too young, but then I value sewing your wild oats, waiting for marriage and financial stability. But then im a different breed of cat. I may be struggling with infertility now because of age, but I would rather experience this then being a young mother. I had my youth and lived it up. Youth is something you cant get back. Everyone is different and has different values, and thats okay.

I just turned 33 and am only now in a relationship where I would consider bringing children into it. And we're not even ready yet. It might be harder to get pregnant, but I am SO glad I waited. Not that I wouldn't have been a good parent when I was younger, but I am much more wise, patient, and unselfish now. I have a lot more to give a child. Plus, I've had a BLAST up till now. Living life exactly how I want to and doing exactly what I want to do. Concerts, weekend road trips, festivals, friends, travelling, etc. So, I dunno, gotta do what works for you.

I've always read and been told it is easier (physically) and better to have a babies when you are younger rather then older because the older you get the more risks you take. I had my first baby just shy of 19 and my last one at 28. I'm happy with the outcome of it all, despite my physical issues.

It's different for everyone. I didn't feel ready while in my 20's. I wanted to be able to give my children everything I had. I didn't intend to wait as long as I did, but infertility sucks. So physically it's best in your 20's, but for all other reasons I'm glad I waited. I was 34 with my first, and will be 35 with my second (due in a couple weeks). Yes, it's physically harder I'm told, and not easy to lose the baby weight (I just got past the plateau when I got pregnant the second time!!! Ah!!), but the babies make it worthwhile. I wouldn't change a thing. My husband will be 50 in a few weeks, so reading that DH is getting older at 32 is very laughable. Of course, my husband refuses to tell anyone he's any older than 40! He thinks he has much more patience than he did with with SD20, and he appreciates our son very much knowing we were told we would never have any children. I have plenty of energy and patience with my son, and cherish every moment, but that's me. My own siblings are 8 and 12 years older than me, and we all adored each other, so I'm not worried that SD20 is so much older. She'll sort of be like that "cool aunt". To be honest, she never factored into my children at all. I guess if she lived with DH at all she might have. Anyway, as long you are both on board (and simply stopping bc and telling your DH that he can't have sex with you without being ok with a baby is probably not the most tactful way to go about it!) then go for it. It's worse to never try and regret it later than to do it.