“Are you looking forward to it?” This is a question I’ve encountered often from family, friends, and colleagues in the months leading up to my journey into fatherhood. I’m preparing to welcome my first child, a baby girl, and the thought of teaming up with my partner to raise her brings me joy and a sense of calm that I find hard to put into words.
Absolutely, I’m thrilled. However, I’m also 43 years old. To be completely honest, the moment I discovered that I would soon be a dad, I went online to search “First-Time Celebrity Dads Over 40,” expecting a parade of cool yet weathered rock-star dads managing a bass guitar alongside a Baby Bjorn. Instead, my computer inexplicably froze. Coincidence, perhaps.
I understand that among parenting concerns, the topic of first-time dads in their 40s probably ranks just above debates on screen time and whether to hire a clown, magician, or go with a bouncy house for a party. (As if there’s ever a question: it’s always a bouncy house.) But I’d be kidding myself if I said that keeping pace with my daughter through her formative years isn’t something that weighs on my mind. I want to be present and engaged for all her milestones—from her first words to her first steps, to that inevitable interrogation of her prom date, and even her presidential inauguration speech in 2060. The idea of missing out on these moments is painful.
On the bright side, I realize that my age, while a concern, isn’t necessarily a deterrent. As long as I maintain a love-hate relationship with exercise and healthy eating, my prospects for being there during her crucial moments are pretty solid. Plus, even younger dads can miss out on milestones because, well, life happens.
At 43, I bring a wealth of experiences and insights that come from living a full life. I know that mastering any skill, including fatherhood, requires time and patience—a quality I’ve worked hard to cultivate over the years. So while I might not be the perfect dad right away, I’m learning to accept that. In due time, I’ll navigate the challenges and become the father my daughter needs.
Realistically, the concern about my age, while valid, is manageable. Once the baby arrives, I’ll likely be so immersed in the whirlwind of parenthood that I won’t have the mental space to fret over whether I can relate to a preteen who, after jamming to a Kendrick song, exclaims, “I love oldies!”
The far more pressing issue, one I have even less control over than my age, is the world into which I’m bringing this child. As you might guess from the title, my biggest fear is raising a daughter in a time when a divisive figure has risen to our nation’s highest office, wielding the power that comes with it. This concern looms large, at least for the first few years of her life.
In my view, Donald Trump represents a broader reflection of our society’s mindset—a caricature of the values many Americans have embraced while neglecting others. We prioritize strength, even when it bulldozes the vulnerable. We celebrate material wealth, often at the expense of others. We crave quick fixes to deep-rooted issues and are drawn to those who promise them.
But in this pursuit of superficial values, we’ve sacrificed so much: community, empathy, education, and the honor of nurturing one another. This is the foundation of the values I hope to instill in my daughter.
However, it won’t be easy. Even with the tools to think critically, she will face powerful media narratives that promote harmful ideologies or misrepresent the truth. With the ongoing wars, the commodification of healthcare, and the escalating climate crisis, she’ll inherit a world shaped by humanity’s relentless self-destructive tendencies.
And then there’s my own role in this. I recognize that I’m not just an observer; I’ve at times embraced the very values I critique. Being a progressive doesn’t shield one from moments of ignorance or self-interest. However, I am aware that my flaws can undermine the values I cherish. I’m striving to improve daily.
Perhaps this is the journey we all share: being imperfect yet capable of making positive choices, if we can acknowledge our shortcomings and work together to overcome them. If we manage to do that, we might just save ourselves and our world. It’s a tall order, but not entirely unattainable.
One day, when I ask my daughter how she plans to save the world, if her response begins with “Dad, it’s complicated,” before she lays out her intricate plan, I’ll know she’s exactly what this chaotic world needs—and that I’ve done a decent job for an older dad.
For more insights, you might want to check out this article related to home insemination. Additionally, Make a Mom serves as a reputable resource on this topic. Lastly, March of Dimes provides excellent information on pregnancy and fertility treatments.
Summary
In a personal reflection, Alex Johnson contemplates the challenges and joys of becoming a father at 43 in a politically charged environment. He shares his excitement and fears about raising a daughter in a world influenced by controversial leadership and societal values. Highlighting the importance of critical thinking and empathy, he aims to instill these values in his child while acknowledging his own flaws and the complexities of modern parenting.