Additional Coverage:
- My mom had me when she was 38. I loved having an ‘older’ mom, and also decided to wait until 37 to have my first kid. (businessinsider.com)
Local Mom Finds Fulfillment in Later Motherhood
A local mother is sharing her perspective on the benefits of waiting to have children. Judy Koutsky, pictured here with her sons, had her first child at 37, a decision inspired by her own mother’s experience. Koutsky’s mother, who had her at 38, encouraged her daughter to prioritize personal growth before embracing parenthood.
Koutsky spent her 20s and early 30s focused on her career, travel, and building strong friendships. She explored New York City, hiked the Inca Trail, and enjoyed the freedom of being responsible for only herself. This period of self-discovery, she believes, shaped her into the parent she is today.
While Koutsky acknowledges the challenges of starting a family later in life, including medical considerations and societal pressures, she emphasizes the positive impact it has had on her parenting style. The life experiences she gained before having children allow her to approach motherhood with a sense of calm and confidence. She feels more financially secure and emotionally prepared for the challenges of raising children.
Koutsky credits her mother’s influence and example for her approach to parenting. She strives to provide her children with the same space and independence she was given, fostering their decision-making skills.
Koutsky’s story offers a different perspective on the timing of parenthood, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-discovery in preparing for the journey. She believes that waiting allowed her to become the parent she always wanted to be.