Emotional and Behavioural Outcomes of Children Born to Older Parents: A Review

Advanced childbearing age has become increasingly common and widely accepted around the world, and it has important implications for how children develop. This review peruses how being born to older parents affects children’s emotional and behavioural outcomes, considering the roles of both mothers’ and fathers’ ages. The research shows a nuanced picture in which parental age is linked to both benefits and risks for children through biological, genetic, and psychosocial pathways. Advanced parental age is associated with a higher likelihood of some neurodevelopmental conditions in children, such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Conversely, younger parental age, particularly teenage motherhood, is consistently associated with increased risk for hyperkinetic disorders, substance use disorders, and conduct problems. Older parents often demonstrate more patience, use less harsh discipline and are socioeconomically better-off, which compensates for the biological disadvantages that come with advanced age. However, tendencies toward overprotective parenting among older mothers makes the child more vulnerable towards anxiety. Overall, the review proffers that any recommendations about the “best” age to become a parent need to account for the complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors that shape outcomes for children of both younger and older parents.