Between the soaring cost of living and the increasingly tough jobs market, more women are choosing to have kids later in life.
Of course, it's not wise to leave it too late - just look at the numbers reliant on not-always-successful IVF, and the fact that kids are even MORE draining once you're in your 40s.
But being an older mum can be pretty great. Here are 8 awesome things about having kids when you're older...
You're done with partying
Hangovers really do get worse with age. Yep, you've "been there, done that", thank you very much!
You have an established career
Nobody should be penalised for procreating, but the fact is that it happens, with CEOs becoming secretaries the second they set foot back in the office.
But the more experienced you are, the less dispensable you become. Never a bad thing...
You'll make more friends
It's often said that it gets harder to make friends as you get older. But when you've got 'older mum' status in common, you'll find bonding that bit easier.
Sure, all mums can bond over the trials of potty training, but only the older ones will truly understand what you mean by tired...
Kids keep you young (and cool!)
It's tempting to feel pangs of jealousy as your friends wave goodbye to their college-going kids as you embark on your seventh nappy change of the day, but remember:
You're the one who knows who Zayn Malik is dating and what the latest emojis are...IYF! (That's 'in your face', mums of grown kids).
You're more relaxed
Because the older you get, the more you realise that life's too short to sweat the small stuff.
You're a pro when it comes to responsibilities
In your 20s, things like mortgages, home insurance and cleaning the house fell under the category of 'boring' and 'scary grown-up stuff'.
Now? Well, you actually find vacuuming quite therapeutic, thank you very much...
You get to learn the easy way (or easier way, at least)
Sure, you were bored out of your skull when your friends went on and on about why they wished they'd used controlled crying when all you wanted to talk about was your latest beau.
But now that you think about it, you're delighted they made so many mistakes and cared to share them with you. Now you know exactly what not to do!
Your kids won't have to wait until they're 65 to inherit your wealth
This sounds like a benefit more for them than for you, but think about it: This will make them love you so much more!
SHARE if you had kids later in life, and don't regret it.
