The Upsides (And Downsides) of Being a Mature Mom

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Updated: March 30, 2021

Originally Published: March 29, 2021

Let’s kick things off with my journey to becoming a mature mom. I was immersed in my career as a journalist and not quite ready for the responsibilities of parenting. Then, at the age of 40, I woke up one day and told my partner, “It’s now or never.” Miraculously, five months later, that moment arrived.

The Upsides

Self-Awareness

Having a baby later in life has its perks. Unlike my 20s and 30s, I now have a strong sense of who I am. I wasn’t trying to figure myself out while raising a child.

More Time and Patience

While I’m not claiming to be the perfect mom, I have more time and resources to put into parenting now than I would have earlier. I can focus on improving my skills and spend quality time with my child without the frantic pace of a job on deadlines.

Financial Stability

Thanks to my partner’s career, I had the luxury of taking time off after our baby was born. With two decades of work experience behind me, I had the skills and connections to ease back into my career when I was ready.

Support System

We hired an amazing nanny, Sara, who adored our daughter. I quickly learned from a friend, Lily, that it’s okay not to do everything myself. Focusing on the moments I enjoy, like bath time and reading, made me a much happier mom.

Flexibility and Fun

As older parents, my partner and I are less concerned with strict rules. We’re more relaxed about schedules, allowing for spontaneous gatherings and fun family time. I’ve become more playful, dancing and singing with my daughter without worrying about looking silly. Just the other day, I even made a cameo in her TikTok video!

The Downsides

Aging

Being an older mom means I need to stretch more to avoid injuries when lifting my daughter. I tire more easily and crave alone time to recharge. Sometimes, I dream of enjoying a quiet flight for business, just me, a glass of wine, and a movie.

Age Disparity

While I feel confident, I often find myself older than other moms. It’s a bit hard to accept that I might not pass for younger, even if I wish I could. On my 50th birthday, I found myself lying about my age at a school event to avoid attention.

Tech Challenges

I feel one generation removed from my daughter’s tech-savvy world. I struggle to keep up with her online interests, like her Instagram photos and Roblox designs, and sometimes wish I could relate better.

Feeling Observed

I can’t shake the feeling that others notice my age. For example, at a doctor’s office, the nurse asked my daughter, “Who do we have with you today?” and I immediately thought it was my age that prompted the question.

In conclusion, despite the challenges of being an older mom, I feel incredibly fortunate. This experience has shaped me in ways I never expected.

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