Older women make better mothers, study reveals

Older mothers are less likely to punish their children because age makes them more tolerant of childish whims and caprices.

According to a recent study, this flexibility and tolerance help children grow up in a more “positive psychosocial environment”.

Such children tend to have fewer behavioural, social and emotional problems because they are less scolded and punished by older moms, says the research which was carried out in Aarhus University, Denmark.

“We know that people become more mentally flexible with age, are more tolerant of other people and thrive better emotionally themselves,” Dion Sommer, the lead researcher, said.

“That is why psychological maturity may explain why older mothers do not scold and physically discipline their children as much.

“This style of parenting can thereby contribute to a positive psychosocial environment, which affects the children’s upbringing,” Sommer explained.

He, however, advised women not to wait too long to have children, due to declining fertility and increased risk of problems such as miscarriage, preterm birth and birth defects.

“However, when estimating the consequences of the rising maternal age, it’s important to consider both the physical and psychological pros and cons,” he added.