The price of love and building a family at a young age

When we go through storms, my wife often reprimands me for how I underestimated the responsibilities that come with having a large family. I defend myself and point out to her that despite the turbulence of my career, we could’ve avoided some of our struggles.

During our more peaceful discussions, we both recognize that most people have children much later in life. Some stay single for decades, building their wealth and maybe enjoying their single lives to the fullest. Do they however enjoy their life to the fullest? I don’t know.

I’m forty-four years old. My wife is four years younger. This summer it will be twenty-five years since we met. Our oldest son is nineteen; our second son will turn seventeen tomorrow. Our twins are twelve.

When I am at my kids’ sporting events, I’m usually one of the younger parents. I currently work with someone who is five years older than I am; his only child is a year and a half old. Someone else from my nearest professional circle is a decade older, and his stepson is younger than my twins.

While I know some families similar to ours, it’s true that most people choose to start their families later in life.

I wouldn’t say I soul-search, but I recently started questioning my past choices, especially during the difficult days, which are many: was it irresponsible of me to have children at such a young age and to have as many as we did? My wife questions her choices too; she says she…