Aged

          I struggle to write these words, wondering what I would say, wondering HOW I would say them, or even IF I should. It's been a dismal day after a good amount of rain and thunderstorms, and the day has left me fatigued and pensive.

           I've been reflecting on a lot, and this one specific topic especially: being an older parent. After reviewing a recent piece I submitted on here briefing touching on some challenges my family and I have had over the years and our perspectives to them (see the "To" post), I looked it over again and wanted to highlight this topic a bit more. 

            My wife and I had a hard time in the beginning conceiving children and weren't able to have kids until we were both in our mid to late 30s. Our son was LITERALLY an answer to prayer. No one tells you though what it's like to be an older parent; so I will. 

             At the beginning you realize you will not be able to do everything other parents will. You may be able to chase your kids in tag for example (unless you're MUCH older), but it will not be for long. You are more aware of long term effects to your children (such as watching too many screens, eating little to no veggies at mealtimes, etc.). You are also much more aware of your responsibilities as a parent. When you're younger as a parent these will come into play, but not as easily. You are also more aware of being intentional and engaged (aging does that to us all, especially when we're parents). 

               There are also a lot of awesome things though about being an older parent. You can discern different dangers and unforeseen problems (cuz you're more aware of these things having experienced more before parenthood). You can also draw from what you've walked through, learned and experienced in your younger years for things such as playtime. You also have a better handle on what you can do and therefore don't wreck yourself as easily when navigating parenthood to have more playtime (parents can get hurt pretty bad during parenting years). You have a better grasp on endurance in the day and can use that to have more fun longer, to navigate more stressful situations easier. 

               ^These are just SOME of the things we've been learning and experiencing as older parents. Each parent is different (older or younger), and this can hit each parent differently. However, when you have this array of skills, experiences, and God-given insights they can help you be a better parent. You stop trying to be an individual as much as when you were younger and seek to engage your "community" (though you'll still need your "downtime" to recover). The days can be much tougher at times, but our kids are worth it; worth every cup of coffee needed to have energy to engage them as parents, and every prayer uttered in Jesus' name to be our best. This is the journey of an older parent, one my wife and I have been taking, and would take again if this was the only way to have our amazing son we have now. 

Sidenote: If any of the writing on this blog has made a good impact on your life in someway (EVEN if it was something you may have enjoyed reading for a particular reason), please feel free to share this blog with someone else who could be blessed also. Thank you for your support! 

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