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- I was 39 and my husband 46 when our daughter was born. I’m concerned about the future as an older parent. (businessinsider.com)
Becoming a first-time mom a month shy of 40 wasn’t exactly what I’d pictured, especially celebrating with a newborn by my side at my rooftop birthday bash. Trading wine for nursing wasn’t the typical 40th birthday experience, but there I was.
My husband, a boomer, and I, a Gen Xer, started our family a little later in life. He was 46, and I was 39 when our daughter arrived.
My own mom had me later, too, which wasn’t common in the 1960s. I didn’t realize she was older than the other moms until one fateful ice-skating incident where she refused to join us, citing her age.
Now, decades later, I get it.
My husband and I are now in our 60s and 50s. While we strive to stay active, certain activities like skiing are becoming trickier.
It’s a little disheartening seeing younger parents effortlessly navigate black diamond slopes while we opt for more relaxed pursuits. Our kids have grown accustomed to our less adventurous vacations, content with trips to the English countryside instead of ski resorts.
I sometimes wonder if they secretly yearn for more thrilling experiences. My daughter recently invited me to kickboxing, and while I joked about potential injuries, her disappointment was palpable.
She doesn’t remember me chasing her as a toddler, always a step behind. While I enjoyed the swings and sandbox, I was never one for the parent sack race.
Parenting has been tiring, even beyond the sleep deprivation. My mom used to tell people how challenging we found it, and although I initially cringed, she wasn’t wrong.
Looking ahead, I’ll be 60 when my son graduates high school, and the realization that I won’t be a very active grandma saddens me. I admire those grandparents with boundless energy, but I know I won’t be able to keep up with little ones.
I do, however, find comfort in my family’s history of longevity. My mom recently turned 95!
While I might not be ice-skating anytime soon, I can still connect with my kids in other ways. Sharing my love for 80s music and belting out Aha’s “Take on Me” during car rides has become our thing.