Our son came along when my wife and I were 28/29 (a few months separate us in age). Due to some medical issues, after years of trying (including – yes – two failed cycles of IVF!) our daughter arrived 10 years later.

I'd always remembered the relentless sleepless nights and demands from my son's first years as painful. But I struggle to find words in the English language to describe going through the same thing ten years later – the closest I can get is 'torture'.

Of course ymmv but the simple truth is that just those extra 10 years made a significant difference in coping ability. As a parent you do what ever it takes of course, but it is foolish to think that you will have the same capacity for the challenge as you did when you were in your twenties.

And dealing with teenagers when you are in your late fifties?!?!?

Good luck with that ladies……..