11 Signs You Might Be an Older Mom

home insemination Kit

So, I’ve found myself in a category that doctors kindly label “advanced maternal age.” For those not in the medical field, that just means I was a bit of a late starter. I met my partner at 30, tied the knot at 31, and welcomed my first child just shy of my 36th birthday. I always thought this was pretty normal—my own mom was 41 when I was born! But once my kids hit school age, I suddenly realized that I was a solid decade older than many of the other moms. While I cherish the friendships I’ve formed with them and generally don’t dwell on the age gap, there are moments that hit home hard. Here are 11 telltale signs:

1. I’m old enough to be a teacher’s mom!
2. Some of my kids’ friends’ grandparents are younger than my own parents.
3. When a friend discusses her 10-year plan, I initially think she’s talking about retirement.
4. Explaining to my kids that I’m too old for another baby is tricky, especially since they don’t grasp the whole concept yet.
5. I sometimes shock fellow parents with phrases like “Because I said so,” or “Your face will freeze like that.”
6. I have to hold back from sharing my wisdom with younger parents—it’s not well-received when their kids are older than mine.
7. When another mom calls me “ma’am,” my heart sinks. I say it out of respect, but please, not to someone with kids the same age as mine!
8. I hear comments about my kids being so close in age. Well, when you start having kids later, you’ve got to get a move on! I had three kids in under three years—yikes!
9. I wonder why my friend’s hair appointment was so cheap, then I remember she just gets highlights, not the full gray coverage (and then highlights).
10. My husband and I reminisce about “the kids” and we’re referring to the other parents!
11. I contemplate discussing periods with my 9-year-old daughter because I’m worried I’ll forget what they were like by the time she has hers!

Honestly, I wouldn’t trade my “advanced maternal age” for anything—I think I would’ve been a pretty lousy mom in my twenties and probably early thirties too. But it would be nice if some of the other parents could age up a bit. Seriously, could you all just turn 40 before I hit 50?

If you’re navigating the world of parenting in your later years, check out this article on home insemination kit for more insights and tips. Also, for a deeper dive into fertility, visit this page for expert advice. And don’t miss Rmany for excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, embracing motherhood later in life comes with its own unique set of challenges and hilarious moments. While the age gap with other parents can feel stark, the experiences we bring to the table are invaluable.