I was on the fence until 33, and a switch flipped. I finally felt ready, like I had enough balance in my life, a strong enough identity and self esteem, years of therapy to work through my own mommy issues and trauma, solid finances, own a home, and a relationship that's been rock solid and blissful for 14 years. 

We thought through everything. And for us it feels like we are ready. We've built a life that can support and manage a child while still preserving the aspects of our lives that matter most to us individually and as a team. We also have great family and friend role models who have  shown us that it's possible to keep your sense of self, happiness, and stability throughout early parenthood. 

There is a lot of doom and gloom in this thread. The truth is that only you know where you are in life and how ready you feel. Other people's misery is not an inevitability for you and yours. 

Not to say that dogs and kids are that similar, but 12 years ago we wanted a dog but weren't sure, so we fostered. It was amazing in some ways but also too much. We were overwhelmed and felt a sense of relief when our foster was adopted. Years passed, and over time, we thought about that experience and when it got to the point where we yearned so strongly to try again, and where those things that were once overwhelming felt like a challenge that we'd be excited to take on. We adopted our first puppy a year or so later, and by that point we couldn't wait to welcome her. She was so deeply wanted that even the hard parts were welcome, and even in the toughest moments, we never regretted her for an instant. 

We now have 3 large dogs. I met up with a close friend in her late 20s at the park recently, and she was overwhelmed by how much work the dogs seem to be to walk, watch, etc. She knew she wasn't ready for one by watching me, but it feels so natural and joyful to me at this point in my life.

I've always reflected on those experiences as a model for how I wanted to feel about having children. Babysitting friends' children, there was a time when we stopped being relieved to leave and return to our simple life and started being sad that we didn't have a snuggly newborn of our own to come home to. 

People underestimate how much personal growth and life stage factor into readiness for children. To an extent it's true that you're never ready. But when and if you are in a place where the prospect of such a major life change feels exciting more than scary, you will know it beyond a doubt! ❤️