Starting early, starting late: Socio-demographic characteristics and Parenting of new Mothers of different ages

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the age at which women give birth to their first child has not only increased on average, but has also become more diverse. Based on Growing Up In Australia: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), this article first outlines trends in the age at which mothers have their first child and some of the forces behind these trends, then compares socio demographic characteristics, a general approach to parenting and confidence in parenting of new mothers of different ages.