Biological Clock

Today's Charlotte Observer notes twin trends of fewer U.S. fathers in their 20s and more in their 40s. While Observer reporter Song's story focuses on the good of being a first time dad at such an "advanced" age, other reports of senior pops describe the benefits and risks for children.

What is missing from all the reports is the formula to determine the best balance of risk and reward. The 18-year-old will have no problem bending over while bathing his child; the 30-, 40- or even older dad will have more patience when confronted by youthful exasperations and more life experience to apply to the perplexing dilemmas of fatherhood. Of course, the laws of the universe could allow for no formula, just the reality that whenever the alarm goes off you just have to get up and be a dad.

** Prince Harry did say the-king-of-forever-waiting-for-mums-to-pass was "old and boring," but that probably would be true no matter at whatever age the Prince of Wales sired future royalty. **