The 9 advantages of being an older mother.

So Sonia Kruger’s 48? Big deal. Being an older mum can have its advantages.

When I heard that Sonia Kruger was pregnant, I was so excited for her.

It didn’t even occur to me that some people would immediately start with the “but she’s too old to have a baby” snipes.

I was 40 when I had my second baby, and I’ve found there are a lot of advantages to becoming a mum later in life. Like…

1. You’ve probably already achieved a lot of your career goals.

Okay, so I haven’t hosted Big Brother and starred in Strictly Ballroom, but by the time I was nearing 40, I’d done most of the things I really wanted to do. I didn’t feel like I had to rush back to work and I’ve never resented my children for holding me back in my career.

2. You’ve had more time to think about names.

I won’t say here what I was planning to call my kids when I was younger, but my favourite names all fell into the category of “stripper names”.

3. You might actually be fitter and healthier.

I spent a lot of my 20s and early 30s drinking bourbon and eating chicken nuggets. At some point in my mid-30s, I realised I had to start taking care of my body. By the time I had my first baby, I was eating salads and going to the gym.

4. You’re a bit wiser.

You’ve learnt there are lots of different ways to bring up kids, and the way your parents did it isn’t the only way. You understand that just because someone’s written a book on parenting, it doesn’t mean they’re an expert. You know that the mums in your mothers’ group might be misguided or just making stuff up about their babies.  That is, if you even bother going to a mothers’ group.

5. You probably have less financial stresses.

By the time you’re 40, you’re more likely to own your own home and maybe even have a bit of money in the bank. You don’t have to worry so much about whether you can afford things. Your child needs speech therapy? No problem. You want to hire a nanny? Okay. You need a massage? Go for it.

6. You don’t mind spending more time at home.

When I see on Facebook that my friends are out partying all night or going on road trips across America, I barely feel jealous at all. Been there, done that, got the fridge magnets.

7. You stand up for yourself and your kid.

If you don’t think what the doctor is saying is right, you get a second opinion. If you don’t like what the teacher is doing, you complain to the school. I’m sure there are plenty of gutsy twentysomethings who do that too, but for me, that kind of confidence came with age.

8. You can deal with the saggy boobs.

By the time you’re 40, gravity is starting to have a bit of an impact and you’ve pretty much given up all hope of being discovered as the next Kate Moss. Yep, having a baby hurries things along, but at least you can do that whole “I love my pendulous breasts because they have nourished a child” thing. Or, with your stash of money, you can afford to have a breast lift.

9. You appreciate every moment.

Time goes faster when you’re older, so you’re going to savour every little thing – reading to them at night, holding their hand on walks – because you know that in no time at all, they’ll be all grown up.

Are you an “older” mum? Have anything to add to the list?

Want more? Try:

Without one of her girlfriends, Sonia Kruger wouldn’t be pregnant.

Farewell, firm breasts, we had some good times.

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