That was a bit convoluted there bob. Is it the norm or isnt it the norm? And what is the difference between now and then? I dont think many of these men take care of their children based on my first hand view. When they get bored or uninterested with the women they get another one. I got friends who tell me "he went to get another woman" or " a younger woman" And I m like "huh? 36 isnt old" So I guess this does tie into your old guy/teenager comment. As I see it, almost all of these guys have 2 children with one women, 1 child with 2 women and then maybe might settle down with a women who is half his age giving her another 2 children. Let me know if I m wrong.
In the past it was not unusual for a man to have his wife and children from her, and on the side to have a mistress or two that he had children with. Sometimes he would acknowledge the illegitimate children with his name and sometimes he wouldn't but either way he would support his extra children and their mother financially. Now it is rare to support those other children. My wife's cousin has children from three different women and he's never been married. He drives the children to school, pays for their school and clothing- he is an exception to the rule I'm led to believe by the people on this board. You are correct in your assessment of how it normally is now days.