admin, Author at Mothering in the Middle

“Having It All” – a New Look at Older Moms

A British psychologist suggests the media update its opinion on women who wait until their late 30s or early 40s to become mothers, claiming that notions of selfishness and willingness to risk the health of their baby need revision.

Commentary – So, here’s the good news: for once, (and yet again) someone has come to the defense of new older mothers, sparking conversation, reflection and inquiry. The bad news? Researcher Kristy Budds of the University of Huddersfield (UK) believes that delayed motherhood is more a matter of circumstance rather than choice. Budds believes that if society perceives this as a “choice,” it would imply selfishness (i.e. the willingness to disregard family over, say, a career), rather than a circumstantial life-path. Budds adds that the public’s perception that over age 35 attaches greater risks to pregnancy, will soon be pushed to over age 40, as the median age for motherhood continues to increase, worldwide. Talk on…(CS)

Common Myths About Having Children Later in Life

by CBS News

A great update on the latest stats and information:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8334-504763_162-57485778-10391704/common-myths-about-having-a-child-later-in-life/

Embracing It All (You Can Call Me Grandma!)

by Cyma Shapiro

Dear Reader: I often write about the pitfalls and achievements of new older motherhood; the angst of moving into menopause; the knowledge that being over-50 means that the end post is right straight ahead, and in plain sight.

But, today, I’m writing about enlarging our family. No, despite many sleepless nights over this topic, we will not be adding any more children to our family. However, we are adding another member, of sorts. Today, I’m writing about my older son, who appears smitten with …let’s call her “Lady Godiva.” I am happy for him; he (and she) seems happy. I envision a wedding and all the rest of it coming my way – much sooner than later. […]

We Think Your Health, and Everyone Else’s, Too, is a Matter of Laughing…More

by Perrie Meno-Pudge

Dear Reader: We’d like to introduce Perri Meno-Pudge, the character created by Barbara Kimmel and Joanne Fsadni. From time to time, we will feature their wonderful cartoons. We can all use a laugh!

While the reason is not always clear, people who laugh more, generally have a better sense of well-being and control in their lives. The power of humor has been recognized and recommended for centuries. Today, modern medicine offers a multitude of clinical studies showing that humor and laughter have a positive effect on our immune system, our heart, liver, internal organs, stress levels and even pain management all appear to benefit from laughter and a positive outlook. A shared laugh is often the best kind of remedy for what’s got you down! […]

10 Reasons Why Midlife Mothering Works/Doesn’t Work

Dear Reader: I’m in the midst of compiling several lists for midlife mothers – for example: Why Midlife Mothering Works/Doesn’t Work; 10 Myths About New Older Mothers; What’s the Real Middle Age All About, etc. In order to do this, I need you! Please e-mail your thoughts to midlifemothers@gmail.com. While you’re there, I’ll also take your thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding our site. I look forward to hearing from you!

KidsHealth’s Tips for Going Back to School (Part II)

First-Day Mania

There’s no escaping the fact that the first day of school can be crazy. New kids wander around in circles. Lockers won’t open. The school nurse needs your medical records. You forgot your gym shorts. Freshmen are running in all directions, looking for their homerooms.

How can you combat first-day chaos? If you’re headed to a new school, try to arrange a visit before classes begin. Explore any areas that are of particular interest, such as the gymnasium, library, or science labs. Some schools offer maps. Get one and give it a read before school starts — then keep it in your backpack until you’re familiar with your new surroundings.

Other topics include: Emotions, Making Your Way Through the Lunchroom, Having a Brain Drain?

http://kidshealth.org/teen/homework/back/back_to_school.html

Meditation for Mothers

Next!

You thought you found your perfect doctor, but you couldn’t get an appointment for three and a half months. Next! It sounded like your dream apartment, but there was no parking for your Harley. Next! The agent acted like she was interested, but never returned your call. Next! The babysitter drank your best wine and then hid the bottle in the hamper. Next! They treated you as though you didn’t exist. Next! Her reputation was flawless but her hairspray made you itch. Next! Promises were made but too many were broken. Next! Your son was telling the truth but the teacher refused to believe him. Next! Life’s too short to spend time on situations that are hopelessly out of synch with your needs. If it isn’t a yes! you can bet it’s a no. Keep your options open. Next!

http://www.rachelsnyder.wordpress.com

Eight Tips for Single Parents Going Back to School

Making it through college can be a challenge for any of us—add to that the responsibility of being a single parent and college can be especially demanding. Dr. Bill Burns, director of the North Dakota State University Counseling Center, and Maggie Pearl, admissions manager at Rasmussen College—Fargo campus, share some of their tips for helping single parents be successful students and parents. […]

School’s In, TV’s Out: Tips for Going Back to School

by Jane Samuel

There is something in my house besides summer’s insects that has been humming along happily since school let out. Filing my children’s brains – one impressionable nine-year-old’s in particular – with fluff and stuff. Fluff like toy ads: “the AMAZING Slushy Magic™ available for only four easy payments of $9.99.” Stuff like potty humor and child-friendly, anti-adult one-liners. […]