Embracing Motherhood After 35: My Journey and Tips for Fellow Moms
To be honest, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be a mom in my 20s! It wasn’t until I really took care of myself, gained a clearer vision of what I wanted in life, and then met my husband that I knew I wanted to be a mom. That was when I was 34!
I read an amazing article from Parents magazine a while back about the benefits of having kids over the age of 35, and I shared it with all my fellow moms around my age. It was so uplifting!
Here are some of my thoughts about being an “over 35 toddler mom” that I hope will inspire and alleviate the fears of anyone in their 30s who doesn’t have kids yet.
The Benefits and Joys of Motherhood After 35
Age is Just a Mindset
“Being old” is a mindset. What you speak into the world often becomes your reality. I never say I am an “older mom.” I am more in shape physically and mentally than I was in my 20s, and I intend to keep it that way! So make it a point to prioritize your health and fitness, not only for yourself, but for your future family.
2. Advances in Modern Medicine
There are so many advances in modern medicine that help women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Make sure to find a healthcare provider who supports you and makes you feel good, no matter what age you are!
3. Confidence and Career Stability
I have a better sense of self than I did in my early twenties, and I had a well-established career before I had kids. Because of that confidence, I didn’t let pregnancy and motherhood get in the way of that.
4. Wisdom and Patience
My life experience has given me a different level of wisdom and patience that I didn’t have in my 20s. This has helped in so many situations dealing with toddlers because it can definitely be intense at times.
5. Being a Role Model
I love to share how old I am to be a role model for other women out there! Just a reminder that it’s never too late to start or expand a family.
Additional Tips from parents.com
Parenting at any age has its challenges, but here are some timeless tips from parents.com to make the journey a bit easier:
Set Smart Limits
Take Charge: Children crave limits, which help them understand and manage an often confusing world. Show your love by setting boundaries so your kids can explore and discover their passions safely.
Don't Clip Your Child's Wings: Your toddler's mission in life is to gain independence. Giving a child responsibility is good for their self-esteem (and your sanity!).
Pick Your Battles: Kids can't absorb too many rules without turning off and tuning out. Focus on the things that really matter, like no hitting, rude talk, or lying.
Create Quality Time
Play with Your Children: Let them choose the activity, and don't worry about rules. Just go with the flow and have fun.
Read Books Together Every Day: Cuddling up with your child and a book is a great bonding experience that will set them up for a lifetime of reading.
Encourage Family Time: The greatest untapped resource available for improving the lives of our children is time with their parents.
Read more here! 10 Ways to Be a Better Parent…
Be a Good Role Model
Be the Role Model Your Children Deserve: Kids learn by watching their parents. Modeling appropriate, respectful, good behavior works much better than telling them what to do.
Always Tell the Truth: Teach honesty through imitation.
Respect Parenting Differences: Support your co-parent's basic approach to raising kids unless it's way out of line.
Know the Best Ways to Praise
Give Appropriate Praise: Instead of simply saying, "You're great," try to be specific about what your child did to deserve the positive reinforcement.
Cheer the Good Stuff: When you notice your child doing something helpful or nice, let them know how you feel. It's a great way to reinforce good behavior.
Trust Yourself
Give Yourself a Break: Hitting the drive-through when you're too tired to cook doesn't make you a bad parent.
Trust Your Gut: No one knows your child better than you. Follow your instincts when it comes to their health and well-being.
Always Have Snacks
A variety of snacks should always be available when all else fails :)
All jokes aside, kids love food! Snacks always keep kids at bay when on the go. But when at home, try to set boundaries around snacks and have designated snack times and don’t let them mindlessly eat snacks while watching screentime
Of course, opt for healthy snacks that have no added sugar in them. Check out this reel i created with some of my favorite (link my IG post about the top healthy toddler snacks)
More insights here! 50 Easy Ways to Be a Fantastic Parent…
Being a mom over 35 has its unique challenges and rewards. The journey is deeply personal, but knowing the benefits and having the support of modern medicine, a well-established career, and life wisdom can make it an incredibly fulfilling experience. Remember, it’s never too late to start or expand your family, and every stage of motherhood brings its own joys and lessons.
For all the fellow moms out there or those aspiring to be moms, embrace your journey with confidence, patience, and love. You've got this!
Ready to be part of a community that understands your journey? Join the BGTV Community now and connect with other moms who are here to support and inspire each other!