As a mom over 40, it finally happened. Someone asked me if my daughter was my granddaughter. I didn’t faint as I anticipated I would. I just looked at my daughter and smiled knowing that I belong to that awesome category we call, older moms. My pediatrician referred to me as a geriatric mom. I received this amazing label because I had my child after age 40. My age automatically indicates that late nights end at 11 pm.
Open house invitations fill my mailbox in the month of June. Most of my friends spend their days preparing for the empty-nest stage. My social media feeds flood with graduation photos, scholarship awards, and college freshman pictures. So, when I post a pic of my darling four-year-old picking strawberries, I remember that my life isn’t in sync with the other moms my age.
Menopausal Mommy
I got married at 35 and had a child a few years later, which meant I was never going to be the young mom. Truthfully, sometimes my bones crack a little when I get up from the floor after having a tea party picnic. I’ll likely experience menopause during her elementary school years. As far as communication styles go, I hate to text now, so I have no idea how I’ll communicate with her in the latest ways of her generation. But guess what? She’ll always know she’s loved fiercely because she’s the daughter I prayed for. As for fun activities, well, I’m cool enough now as long as coloring books and dolls never go out of style for preschoolers.
What Older Moms Can Provide
I’ll provide loads of wisdom regarding friends, schools, and boys considering I’ll be 50 when the questions come. I’ll have more time due to the fact I plan to retire when she’s in middle school. I already have more patience because when you turn 40, you tend to carry life lightly. You know what matters {good health and time well spent} and what doesn’t matter {having the perfect Pinterest party and keeping up with the Joneses}. When you walk with more certainty about your convictions, you give your child greater confidence in theirs. Things about motherhood don’t unnerve me easily thanks to my friends who’ve shared their parenting stories for the past 20 years. No, I won’t be the cool mom or the sporty mom, but I can be the wise mom.
Throwback Mommy
Plus, there’s always the additional excuse for why I’m always the tired mom. I play to explain my parenting style as retro and assure her that “throwback mommy” will be an asset to her modern history class. Another benefit is that she’ll keep me young and in-the-know. To my generation, I’ll be the cool, hip, and current friend by virtue of having a younger child. I’ll exercise and keep healthier since I’ve got to keep up with her. This is going to be great because she’ll give me advice on the latest technology and trends. In turn, I’ll give her timeless advice that you only get through living.
So, if you are over age 40, go ahead and pluck that gray eyelash, prepare that sippy cup, and celebrate your own version of mommyhood!
Thank you Dr. Shannon Polk for sharing this post with us!
Right there with you, my friend. Well said!
We’re part of an amazing mom squad!
A beautiful and thoughtful read…I enjoyed it immensely. Good moms are timeless.
Thank you Tracey for reading!
Love this, all of this is true.
Yes it is…every sentiment.
I adopted a baby at the age of 52. I am now 58 and my daughter is starting school this year. She is special needs and a joy. I am disabled and can’t do a lot of things that younger, healthier Mom’s can do, but I can give her lots of love and share the knowledge I have gained from a long lifetime of living. My husband is 14 years younger than me. I have one biological daughter who will be turning 31 in September, our middle daughter is 26 and the bio-Mom of our youngest daughter. They are both adopted. Our middle daughter also has two other children, my grandchildren. We have 4 former exchange students that still call us Mom and Dad. Our youngest has dual citizenship and at 6 years old has already traveled to 5 countries. As older parents, we have more time to spend with her. It isn’t easy being an older Mom, but I enjoy having the time to really enjoy my daughter while she is young.
Marsha, you are one busy mom. What an amazing mom story!
Love this! I have lots of wisdom for my 20 month old! I’m 47.
Your little one is truly blessed!
Right there with you at 47 with my youngest in preschool (starts Kindergarten in Sept) and my oldest finishing 2nd grade. Older moms rock!!! I never had this much patience in my 20’s.
Exactly. Like you, I have way more patience now then when I was younger.
I am so excited to be in this club. I am 42 and have a 5 month old son. I love every moment of this journey that is just beginning for both of us.
That’s really the key. To love and savor every moment of this gift called mommyhood. Welcome to the club!
Great perspective! I never looked at this like that. I am a FTM at 28. God is definitely teaching me patience. So glaf you have ir already. Also, great to see a sistah blog entry!!
Thank you Sistah!!
I love this! I’m a mother with older and younger children. I’m nearly 50with a just turned 7 yr old.
I hate that we are called geriatric moms. Do they call fathers of 35 and above the same thing?
Bless you and other time-seasoned moms!
We need a dad term! I’m open to suggestions 🙂
I loved your post! I am 51 and my daughter is 10. Your daughter will keep you young even if she does have to help you get up off the floor!