The Writing Mamas Daily Blog
Each day on the Writing Mamas Daily Blog, a different member will write about mothering.If you're a mom then you've said these words, you've made these observations and you've lived these situations - 24/7.
And for that, you are a goddess.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Motherhood at Fifty
Being a 56-year old mom has its pluses and minuses. On the positive side, I’ve already had a career and built up a 401k. I’ve gotten to travel and spend time running, skiing and bicycling. I’ve had wonderful, close friendships; seen lots of movies; and read many great books. And I’ve gained perspective, which helps me to know what’s important or not.
So what’s the downside? To begin with, there’s the age disparity with those mothers who are 20-30 years younger than me. When I visit my dad at his assisted-living residence, I wonder if the younger moms see me in the same way that I see the older folks there.
There’s also the energy level. While I pride myself on being youthful and energetic (for my age), the fact is that I’ve slowed way down. When my daughter has a playdate, I feel exhausted at the end of two hours. (Is this true for you younger moms?)
Then there’s the patience part. Is it due to menopause/insomnia that I easily become irritable or is it just another character flaw?
Finally, there’s that fifty-year age gap between my daughter and me. I worry about her during her adult years. I’d like to live to 90, providing I’m healthy in body and mind, so that I’ll be there until she’s 40. I’m hoping she takes a more direct route to adulthood, marriage and parenthood so that I can enjoy the family she creates.
But don’t feel sorry for me. My daughter keeps me young, forces me to grow emotionally and mentally, and makes me laugh often at her kooky antics. I don’t lack for creativity because everyday I witness her vivid imagination and get to partake in art and music projects. One day I stayed at school to help build a nature habitat for her classroom. I should have gone home and done my own work, but I was having too much fun.
Would I recommend motherhood at 50? Helping a child to develop and grow up is one of life’s blessings. If you’ve missed it so far, it’s a great opportunity. Why not partake of it? That’s what I did and I wouldn’t change anything. (Except maybe some days…)
By Nina Katz
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So what’s the downside? To begin with, there’s the age disparity with those mothers who are 20-30 years younger than me. When I visit my dad at his assisted-living residence, I wonder if the younger moms see me in the same way that I see the older folks there.
There’s also the energy level. While I pride myself on being youthful and energetic (for my age), the fact is that I’ve slowed way down. When my daughter has a playdate, I feel exhausted at the end of two hours. (Is this true for you younger moms?)
Then there’s the patience part. Is it due to menopause/insomnia that I easily become irritable or is it just another character flaw?
Finally, there’s that fifty-year age gap between my daughter and me. I worry about her during her adult years. I’d like to live to 90, providing I’m healthy in body and mind, so that I’ll be there until she’s 40. I’m hoping she takes a more direct route to adulthood, marriage and parenthood so that I can enjoy the family she creates.
But don’t feel sorry for me. My daughter keeps me young, forces me to grow emotionally and mentally, and makes me laugh often at her kooky antics. I don’t lack for creativity because everyday I witness her vivid imagination and get to partake in art and music projects. One day I stayed at school to help build a nature habitat for her classroom. I should have gone home and done my own work, but I was having too much fun.
Would I recommend motherhood at 50? Helping a child to develop and grow up is one of life’s blessings. If you’ve missed it so far, it’s a great opportunity. Why not partake of it? That’s what I did and I wouldn’t change anything. (Except maybe some days…)
By Nina Katz
Labels: Nina Katz
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