Recently I wrote my Ten Reasons Being an Older Parent is a Good Idea. Now, ten days after my respite vacation, I’m still exhausted. So in keeping with my mood du jour, here are 10 cautions for those considering “late in life” parenthood:
- Things do change after 50. I get tired more easily and need more naps. Maybe that’s an advantage!
- I have to constantly remind myself: little kids are supposed to be loud.
- I have to dress like a mom, not a grandma. No knit pants or house dresses just yet.
- I work harder at staying healthy than most of my age-peers. I need to be strong and fit because I work hard (physically) every day.
- Your kids have “older” parents. My little ones get fewer playdate invitations than my Bigs did because the other kids parents don’t necessarily see us as their peers.
- Our own parents need more of our care and time. Balancing these needs may be challenging a few years hence.
- People think I’m their grandma at times. That may work to my advantage, too!
- I have less patience than I once did. Knowing I have less patience does help me try harder.
- Some of our kids may not get to know their grandparents. Both sides of our family seem to be blessed with long life, but you never know.
- The cost of child-rearing will definitely delay Dear Hubby’s retirement a while.
In the end, all these “negatives” have a positive twist, but they should be considered. We talked about these things before we took on our little 3-pack, but I must admit, they are coming to light more and more now that hubby is over 50 too.
I don’t regret at all our decision to adopt the 3 little ones. But at 53, when I am tired and not bouncing back quickly, I do have to remind myself of that from time to time. What cautions would you add to the list?
