[Emster]

So, DH and baby and I go out to dinner with another young couple (quite a bit younger than we are, but not THAT much younger...). We're sitting making nice chatter with the waitress who is making all over the baby. Then she looks at me and says, so are you GRANDMA or mom? Although I know I am technically old enough to be the Woobies grandma, I was flabbergasted to think I might LOOK old enough...(sigh...)

Just goes to support my theory that I belong to the OLD MOM"s CLUB. So, anyone else out there who wants to join...I'm not just the president...I'm a member!

[mommamarci]

Em- I can definitely vouh for the fatc that you do NOT look old enough to be a grandma!!! I cannot believe someone asked that. I don't think you look anywhere near old enough to be his grandma. Dumb waitress...

[ChristieS]

OK- I'm a member too. Yes, I am "old enough" (22 years older than bmom) - and both DH and I get that. I just look them in the eyes and say "I'm MOM" - usually they are very embarrassed and it is my hope that next time they will think twice. I don't get my feelings hurt though - it has happened enough that I just let it roll off.

Count me in as Vice-Prez!

[kbuoni]

COunt me in too! My son's bgma is 5 years younger than I am!!!!! However, most of our friends have little ones as well, so we all fall in the "old Mom" category.

[dutchgirl2]

Well at 38 I am 19 years older than my youngest daughter's first mom, so does that make me old??
Did the comment that waitress made affect her tip?? I just can't believe that anyone would even make such a dumb remark. Think it, but don't say it..sheesh!

[Linny]

I'm in that 'group'! Years ago on another board, I referred to it as the 'old-opters' club! LOLOL

But, you know, it doesn't bother me. I"m still younger that some actors and actresses that choose to conceive or adopt......and I can keep up with the fastest toddlers and babies around!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Linny

[mom2justynsarah]

I am 39 (getting MIGHTY close to 40) and my daughter is 18 months. So when I turn 40, she will be two. Does this mean I am also a member? lol!


I haven't had anyone ask if I was the grandma. But if age comes up in the conversation, I usually get this response. "Oh, UGH!" "You have a baby." "You've still got a looooooong way to go!"

Ok, and this means?? I usually come up with "Yep, and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!"

[my someone]

To my friends in the mature parents club:

Today, advice columnist Amy Dickinson ran this item. How appropriate!


Dear Amy:

I've seen a string of comments in your column on parenting over 40, and I had to respond.

My parents were over 40 when they married.

They were always fully capable of doing mommy and daddy things such as picking me up when I cried, playing catch with me, teaching me how to ride a bike and going out for walks on summer evenings.

My parents had something that younger parents don't have, though. They had actually lived their lives. Both of my parents had long since earned their doctorate degrees by the time I came along. They had lived in many apartments, made many friends, accomplished many goals and suffered great losses; they were able to give me a unique and driven attitude toward life and education.

I will turn 18 soon. My parents are 60 and 63.

This fall, I'm going to college to pursue my dream of being an actor.

In truth, I may fail, but I also may succeed, and because of the passion for life that my parents gave me, I certainly won't give up on my dream without a fight.

And, contrary to what one reader said, my parents won't be "on walkers" at my high school graduation. They'll be standing up proudly by my side, just like they were from the moment I was born.

-- Anna

Dear Anna: I'm sure that your parents are very proud of you. Pride in their kids can make even geezer parents throw off their walkers and stand tall.

Take heart, all my cyber friends! Parenting ain't for sissies (or novices in life)!

[my someone]

PS My husband and I will be 62 and 63 when our youngest graduates from high school! His birthmom will be 34. We'll all celebrate together!

[heartbeat]

sheesh! Maybe it's just me, but if I wondered if someone was Grandma or Mom, that would be an in-my-face indicator NOT to ask! Same if I wondered if someone was pregnant. LOL

Don't you fret Emster, your experience will be perfect for 'Woobie'. (love that, btw!)

Warmly, heartbeat the elder

[kate298]

I would have said he's my little Brother and boy was he a surprise to my parents .... then try to see the reaction of their face

[heartbeat]

I would have said he's my little Brother and boy was he a surprise to my parents .... then try to see the reaction of their face

LOLOL!! You're so bad! And I love it!

[ChristieS]

Originally Posted by kate298

I would have said he's my little Brother and boy was he a surprise to my parents .... then try to see the reaction of their face

I can't stop laughing over this one - I'll have to try it sometime.

[ChristieS]

Yes, I can attest to this one. I think older parents have gained wisdom from their experiences (not that younger parents aren't great too!) - but in some ways it is an advantage being an older parent. Smile.

[EmmaLeigh2882]

My parents were 40 when they started having children, 3 of them in 5 years... I was born when my mom was 45! I never thought that is was odd that my parents were by far much older then all my friends parents- and to be honest with my all my friends were jealous that my parents were so much smarter then theirs just because they were older! Age isnt an indecator of maturity! Your as young as your heart is!