Age Of Being A Parent, According To Studies Affects Children's Good Behavior

Illustration of research on children's good behavior (Freepik/senivpetro)

YOGYAKARTA – Having a child with careful planning turns out to have an effect on their children's behavior later. According to the study, this latest finding could be a lesson learned that having a baby requires more confidence, patience, and access to resources.

Reported by Healthline, Tuesday, May 24, based on the level of female fertility, at the age of 35 years, it has decreased. The findings also found that older mothers often face an increased risk of genetic mutations that can contribute to conditions such as Down syndrome.

Research has also linked a child's father's age at birth with increases in neurological and behavioral conditions such as autism and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are even more likely to develop bipolar disorder or psychosis.

But the research isn't all bad for parents who are older or more well-planned when it comes to having children. In fact, recent research has found that when clinical diagnoses are taken into account, children of older parents exhibit fewer behavioral problems overall.

Illustration of research on children's good behavior (Freepik/senivpetro)

The study involved 32,892 children in the Netherlands between the ages of 10-12 years. This study relied on self-reporting of problem behaviors by mothers, fathers, teachers, and the children themselves. The results of this study indicate that older parents report fewer externalizing behavior problems among their children. Parents and teachers reported fewer persistent behavioral problems.

The study also took into account socioeconomic status, meaning that the findings were not simply because the parents were older, more established in their careers or more economically comfortable. Although research doesn't show a pure cause and effect relationship between older parents and behavioral struggles.

According to relationship and parenting expert Wendy Walsh, Ph.D., there are several things to consider in this study. First, there is no study before taking data or it is called a pre-test. This means that reporting from parents can be impure, it could be reporting only favorable behavior.

But according to Walsh, the results of the study cannot be ignored. The research results are promising and reasonable. Walsh explained, the longer you wait, the smarter you are, the more education you have, the better off you may be financially, and the more resources you have. With this possibility, your child will be less likely to act out.

It should be noted, however, that this research suggests that older parents are less likely to experience behavioral, social, and emotional difficulties for their children. According to assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University, Nancy S. Molitor, Ph.D., older mothers experience increased patience, resourcefulness, and even greater gratitude that contribute positively to child development.

Molitor also says that older parents are generally more comfortable with themselves. Self-awareness will be more and enough insight as strength overcomes weakness. He adds, older parents have room to get help dealing with behavior problems on a faster track.