They've reached a new level of maturity. They don't worry so much about their children's position on the developmental scale. They realize now children don't have to be perfect. They don't need children to fulfill their ambitions and prove they are good people. The children are freer just to be individuals and grow up in loving, supportive atmospheres.
Older parents have more time to spend with their children.
They realize what a precious gift they have been given and want to make the most of it. Being a mid-life parent does affect some aspects of parenting. It can make you feel isolated among parents who are much younger than you are. This often happens at school events and even during childbirth classes. Bending and squatting isn't as easy as it was when you were younger, but parents today are very health conscious, and exercise is often a part of the daily routine.