The Upsides (And Downsides) of Being an Older Mom

Parenting Insights from a Mature Perspective

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Let’s dive into my journey as an older mom. I spent years focused on my career as a journalist, opting out of diapers and quiet nights at home. Then, at 40, I turned to my partner and declared, “It’s now or never.” Remarkably, just five months later, the moment had arrived.

The Upsides

Self-awareness

Having a child later in life has its perks. Unlike my younger self, I now fully understand who I am. I wasn’t juggling motherhood while still figuring out my own adult identity.

Time and Patience

While I may not be the epitome of a perfect mother, I have more time now to make meaningful efforts and to read helpful parenting books. My patience has improved, especially compared to my days of meeting tight reporting deadlines.

Financial Freedom for Time Off

Thanks to my partner’s job, I was able to take time off after our child was born without financial strain. Having worked for two decades prior, I had valuable skills and connections, making it less risky to step away from the workforce temporarily.

Hiring Help

We decided to bring on a fantastic nanny, Ava, who absolutely adored our daughter. I truly believe she would have risked anything to keep her safe. Through a friend’s advice, I learned to focus on what I love doing with my child and let go of the guilt for not being a supermom. By prioritizing quality moments, I became a much happier mom.

Flexibility and Fun

As seasoned parents, my partner and I are more relaxed about rules. We’re less tied to rigid schedules, which allows us to enjoy spontaneous visits from friends and casual dinner parties on weeknights. I find myself more playful and willing to be silly, such as participating in a TikTok video where I did a goofy bunny hop. My daughter even dubbed me “the coolest mom!”

The Downsides

Aging Concerns

Let’s face it—I’m older. I need to stretch more before picking up my daughter to avoid injuries, and I tire more easily. Sometimes, I long for the blissful solitude of a long business trip: just me, a glass of wine, and a tiny movie screen.

Being the Older Parent

While I exude confidence, I still grapple with the fact that I’m older than many other moms. Once, at a school quiz night on my 50th birthday, I instinctively lied about my age when asked if it was a special birthday. In my mind, turning 50 wasn’t anything remarkable.

Tech Gap

There’s a noticeable divide between me and my daughter’s digital world. I struggle to grasp her fascination with online platforms like Instagram and Roblox, which makes it challenging to engage with her interests.

Feeling Out of Place

The reality of my age sometimes hits hard, like when a nurse at the doctor’s office mistook me for a grandparent rather than a mom. I’ve even had moments at family gatherings where I realized I was the only parent among a sea of grandparents.

In closing, I embrace my role as an older mom and feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.

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Summary

Being an older mom comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. From having a clearer sense of self and more resources to the struggles of being out of sync with younger parents and technology, the journey is complex but rewarding. Embracing both the ups and downs, I feel fortunate to navigate this path.


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