The thought of slipping into comfy granny panties brings both a thrill of comfort and a slight panic about how close I am to the “Meals on Wheels” stage of life. This perfectly encapsulates my feelings about aging: it’s a mix of excitement and dread. While some might argue that getting older has no perks, have you spent time with seniors lately? They’re free from obligations like PTA meetings, can stroll at their own pace without judgment, and there’s no pressure to maintain a rigorous gym routine or squeeze into swimsuits. Honestly, aging can have its benefits.
Embracing aging is all about perspective, and I’m determined to be an extraordinary elderly woman. I envision myself in oversized hats, not holding back when it comes to sharing my thoughts, and discussing my anatomy if the situation calls for it. It feels liberating to think about getting older, and I’m ready to embrace it.
However, I’m also committed to steering clear of a specific stereotype of older ladies. That’s right, I refuse to be the one who advises young mothers to “bundle that child up!” or “cherish every moment because it flies by!” (both of which I’ve actually heard from older women). Nope, I won’t be that kind of old lady.
Instead, I’ll share tales like, “Once, I was shopping at Target when my toddler knocked over an entire display of DVDs and then crashed his cart into an unsuspecting gentleman.” Or, “While in a public restroom, my kids loudly pointed out my ‘hairy bagina,’ leaving everyone in stitches when we exited.”
I won’t tell new moms to treasure each moment; instead, I’ll suggest they grab a treat at the checkout and hide in the closet to enjoy it when they get home because parenting can be the toughest gig out there. I’ll reassure them they’re doing way better than they realize.
I promise to be the old woman who covers the grocery bill for a young mom whose child is throwing a tantrum in line or the one who lends a helping hand instead of criticism when a kid is misbehaving. I’ll be the type to lean over and whisper to a frazzled mother, “Aren’t kids a handful?” while making silly faces at the snotty baby in the shopping cart. I’ll gladly let her skip ahead in line, as I’m really not in a rush.
I plan on treating a young mom to dinner just because, without inundating her with advice on managing her wild kids. I’ll even slip a note to the server to tell her how well-behaved her kids were, even if they were pure chaos at the table.
I’ll be that neighbor who always has candy for the kids and doesn’t mind if they play in my yard. I’ll dress as I please and speak my mind, but I’ll never point out a mom’s unwashed hair or spit-up-covered clothes. Instead, I’ll compliment her style, even if we both know she looks like she’s been through the wringer.
If I know her well, I’ll offer to babysit while she runs some errands or bring her soup when her children are sick. I won’t comment on her kids running barefoot in winter or looking like they haven’t been cleaned up since birth. Instead, when I see a young mother looking overwhelmed, I’ll smile and remind her she’s doing just fine.
And I won’t dare to say, “It goes by so fast.” I understand that will only add to her guilt when she’s already feeling overwhelmed, even though she’s managing beautifully. I’m making this promise now to remember just how challenging it can be, how isolating it feels, and how much I longed for a little encouragement from those who have already walked that path.
I might even give her a hug and reassure her that everything will be alright. Because it will.
In summary, I refuse to be the stereotypical old woman who adds to the burdens of young mothers with trite phrases about how quickly time passes. Instead, I aim to be a supportive voice, sharing empathy and kindness, reminding them that they’re doing great and that it’s okay to take a moment for themselves.
Keyphrase: elder support for young moms
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