There is little research yet on how couples in their 40's and 50's handle the riggors of parenthood, let alone twins or triplets. Night nurses, nannies, and cooks are among a lucrative growth industry, aimed at helping older parents get through the physical exhaustion that challenges parents even in their 20's. But it's not cheap. Family Counselor Lee Ann Staton believes older couples have a lot of advantages in the parenting game, but face mental challenges as well as physical. She says that one of the major drawbacks for parents is facing their own mortality.
Parents worry if they are going to be around when their children grow up.
They worry about making wills. Parents like the Lyons argue that 40 and 50 aren't what they used to be. Mark is a nationally ranked competitive swimmer. Deb is the vice president of a software company. They argue that in many ways they have more to offer the kids.