You know how society puts pressure on women to look younger? Well, I totally get it. Now that I’ve hit my thirties, birthday celebrations might still happen at clubs, but there’s definitely a mix of “let’s party to hide our tears.”
Yes, I look youthful—like, I’ve been asked for ID to buy kombucha, and I’ve even been mistaken for a middle school student at my job. You’d think that’s flattering, but when people say things like, “I thought you were in high school!” or “Are you the babysitter?” I end up introducing myself in a rather awkward way: “Hi, I’m Mia. I know I look younger than my actual age. Just wanted to clear that up!”
I had my son at 26, which isn’t technically teen motherhood, but it feels young in places like Park Slope, Brooklyn. In this neighborhood, being a 30-year-old mom feels like being a kid yourself. But hey, if I look fabulous at 60, I’m okay with that!
Honestly, though, I’d rather not be treated like a child. My role as a mother is incredibly serious, and I don’t appreciate being disrespected in front of my son. Like that time I was late to drop him at school, and his summer camp teacher, who I hardly knew, got all up in my face and said, “You will not be late again.”
Talk about humiliating! I fumbled through a response, and the assistant teacher was clearly uncomfortable, too. It was so awkward that I had to walk away and cry afterward.
Living in Park Slope means paying a hefty price for preschool, and I expect a little respect in return. Shouldn’t it matter that we’re paying a premium for this school? If I had looked like one of the older, wealthy parents, would she have treated me differently?
I have countless stories like this. There was even an ER nurse who gave me a lengthy lecture on car seat safety, assuming I didn’t already know. I get it, but I’m here because my son hurt himself, not for a parenting 101 class. Just because I look young doesn’t mean I’m clueless!
So, if you look your age, own it! Aging has its perks, like fewer people questioning your decisions. It must be nice to have that kind of respect.
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In summary, looking younger can be a mixed blessing, especially when it leads to condescension. Embrace your age, and remember that with experience comes the wisdom to navigate the parenting journey.