Robert De Niro a Father Once more at Age 79

Robert De Niro casually dropped a bomb in an interview with ET Canada this week that, on the age of 79, he lately turned a dad for the seventh time. Let me reiterate—sure, he is 79 and already has six kids from earlier marriages and relationships. Oh, and he is additionally a grandfather.

De Niro shares kids Drena, 51, and Raphael, 46, with first spouse Diahnne Abbott, has twin sons Aaron and Julian, 27, along with his ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith, and has Elliot, 25, and Helen, 11, with ex-wife Grace Hightower. De Niro shares child quantity seven, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, along with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. No want for any quick math right here—there is a 51-year hole between his oldest and youngest baby.

Now, I by no means wish to decide anybody for the age they start their parenting journey. I am nicely conscious that so many components are concerned—particularly for individuals who determine as feminine. I used to be 36 once I acquired pregnant with my daughter (and 37 when she was born). Subsequently, my being pregnant was thought-about GERIATRIC (which made me cry each time I noticed that label bolded on the high of my chart). I am now 45, and my daughter is 8 and about to complete up the second grade.

However I’ve many buddies—my very same age and a few who’re youthful—with youngsters in school. I actually have a childhood buddy who’s already a grandma. I am always determining in my head how previous I will be when my daughter hits totally different milestones—and if I will be too previous to take pleasure in them together with her.

Will I be a cool 50-year-old when she has her bat mitzvah? Will I be the oldest mother at her highschool commencement? Will everybody assume I am her grandma if I take her to a bar to have a good time her twenty first birthday? Which then makes me marvel what is going to occur if my daughter waits to have youngsters in her late 30s too? Like De Niro, I will be in my 70s!

I really feel dangerous that Robert De Niro’s new child will not have a dad to run across the playground with or educate them to drive. As for promenade, commencement, and every other huge occasions over the following 20 years? I am positive De Niro is wholesome, however he isn’t Benjamin Button—it is only a proven fact that he is older and at an age the place slowing down mentally and bodily is inevitable.

Take my husband’s grandfather, who’s 100 years younger (his phrases). Whereas he miraculously has no acute medical points, he does dwell in an assisted dwelling facility, has a tough time recognizing quick household, and isn’t regular on his toes—resulting in falls which have landed him within the hospital. Whereas he nonetheless can crack a joke proper on cue, he isn’t precisely in a state to alter diapers, take care of sleepless nights, or run after a grandkid.

My very own dad is 73 and his best pleasure in life is being a grandfather. He was a really current and attentive dad to me, my brother, and my sister. However he is actually subsequent stage as a grandfather. He performs Barbies with my daughter and, even when his again is hurting or knees aching, he is all the time able to play with my rambunctious nephews. He is by no means missed my daughter’s birthday or recital—and we dwell in numerous states!

Nonetheless, my dad will even jokingly make feedback that break my coronary heart about simply desirous to make it to my daughter’s bat mitzvah. I get upset and inform my dad to cease speaking like that and that I anticipate to see him at my daughter’s highschool and even school commencement. However I do know he is getting older, it is only a reality of life. I anticipate my dad to bop the hora at my daughter’s bat mitzvah, though he’ll be 78 then—only a yr youthful than De Niro!

I get that De Niro is privileged. He has the cash to offer for all his youngsters now and sooner or later. He also can afford a number of assist for a new child. I would not anticipate him to really change a diaper or late-night feedings—as a result of let’s be actual, he most definitely did not try this for his youngsters.

However is it truthful that baby quantity seven could by no means actually get to know their dad? The brilliant facet is that at the least De Niro’s new child has many older brothers and sisters who can hopefully present robust household assist. Or on the very least, maintain dad’s legacy alive with common showings of Meet the Mother and father!