women, what would be the age you would expect to have first and last kids, ideally ?

Estimate. I'm curious, it's for personal/research purposes.

You can tell those who have replied so far are middle class...

What do you think re the property situation and how that ties in with kids.

See, I'd feel better having decent sized, owned property to bring up kids(impossible in my circumstances and these hopuse prices), I can't be getting by in a small flat and bringing up even one child, and I'm not sure I want to take handouts off the parents.

To be honest, I've never specifically thought about the house. I've always said I won't have kids untill am I in a settled relationship (preferably married) and I'm financially secure enough to bring up children. I assume that at least a 2 bedroom house will come with the financial and marriage security. Writing this now makes me realise I am a looong way off this point!

I've not got much money. Plus I'd rather my partner didn't have ot too hold for health risks, so really I think I might manage one financially and otherwise. I suppose you don't need a huge place for just one kid.

Health risks don't really start until after 35, and even then you can have a perfectly healthy baby.

No you don't, but it depends what lifestyle you want them to have. I've had a more advantaged lifestyle than most I guess, and I'd want my kids to have that and more, so I'd want to build up trust funds for them, money for their boarding schools/uni, and have a nicely sized house first.

Also, my career is very important to me.

No, I know the risks don't majorly go up. But it's just reserach suggests it's ideal for them to have them slightly younger than they are, like before the 30-35 zone, although that zone is ok too, for the absolute optimum fertility and health for the baby.. I know that psychologicaly, economic factors etc also matter.

I suppose it may well be that I could have a younger partner, because some women are looking for that more than men want an older partner, and also, like the guy says, working class women tend to have babies younger.

A lot of women are saying that, but why is career so important? (just wondered cos I work to live not vice versa)

So you reckon a working class chick would be prepared to have them younger?

The under, lower and upper classes would not see having a child as a lifestyle choice, or having a child in their thirties as normal.

It is not so much about the working classes to be honest; the behaviour seems tied exclusively to the middle classes. The under, lower and upper classes would not see having a child as a lifestyle choice, or having a child in their thirties as normal; in this respect I can at least admire Farmboy_Pip for her honesty.

From an upper-class perspective (just to give some examples), the Queen had Prince Charles when she was 22, Princess Anne when she was 24 etc., etc.. In addition, Princess Diana had Prince William when she was just into her twenties, and Prince Harry two years later.

I will personally be having my first child next year, and I have just turned 23. My mother was 20 when she had me.

So, you think that people were rich in the Middle Ages since they had their children when they were 15?

Just curious as I am not too clear on the definitions or boundaries of under, working/lower, middle and upper classes; why would the other classes not see having a child as a lifestyle choice? Could you explain for me? I'm interested. xD