Len Filppu Archives - Mothering in the Middle

Am I Too Old To Be A Dad?

by Len Filppu

I’m an older first time father, a late bloomer dad, a more senior sire. Our son was born when I was age 49, and our daughter arrived three years later.

While I’ve discovered over this past decade of parenting that becoming a father in the maturity of midlife has proved to be a distinct advantage for me, I certainly didn’t always think so.

At first I was scared. I didn’t know whether to celebrate by jumping for joy or leaping from the nearest cell phone tower. Would I have the stamina, regret my loss of freedom, live long enough, remember my math?

But the most terrifying and persistent fear I harbored was: Would the world mistake me for grandpa? […]

The True Gifts of Father’s Day

by Len Filppu

My fatherhood style runs a strange range between Robert Young of Father Knows Best and Ozzy Osbourne, bat biter, so it’s always good for me to bounce ideas off other dads… even if I get back a twisted triangulation on my parental reality. I invited my friend Vern to join me for a pre-Father’s Day drink at my favorite watering hole.

While I repeated my order of a non-fat, no foam, decaf latte to the bustling barista, Vern grumbled, “I thought you invited me for a drink? That generally indicates alcohol. This place reminds me of a library.” […]

Today’s 50 is Yesterday’s 40, Or Less (A Father’s Day Story)

by Len Filppu

Dear Reader: We are again fortunate and pleased to present the writings of the inestimable Len Filppu – this time with today’s launch of his new book, PRIME TIME DADS: 45 Reasons to Embrace Midlife Fatherhood.

At the start of the 20th century, the average American lived only 47 years. Life expectancy for that same American born today is approximately 78 years. Life expectancy in the United States is currently longer than ever before, and it is on the increase.

These advances are not driven by chugging Methuselah mash from the latest fountain of youth or even esoteric medical innovations affordable mainly by billionaires. It’s about down to earth basics that are directly within our control. […]

Guest Blog Post: A Valentine’s Day Salute to Parenthood’s Impact on Marriage

by Len Filppu

This Valentine’s Day, I’d like to put in a good word or two about marriage. Statistical studies show that married men live longer than single men.

I’m not sure about marriage’s impact on wives (I’m afraid to look), but as a husband who became a first time dad in midlife, I’m happy to subscribe to this notion. You see, my children are pre-teens, and I still have plenty of work ahead preparing them to be able to make a great living in order to support my dreamed and schemed about lavish retirement lifestyle. (Just kidding.) […]

How I Overcame My Fear of Being Mistaken for Grandpa

Len Filppu

About 11 years ago, my wife and I joined another pregnant couple for a snack after our pre-natal class. They were a typical demographic of this class… young, bright-eyed and fresh, unwrinkled, unworn and eager to learn what lay ahead in parenthood. Their youth and enthusiasm unnerved me because I was then 49 years-old and facing fatherhood for the first time. I ordered coffee and cherry pie a la mode. […]