MOTHERHOOD is often painted as a picture-perfect experience, but for one woman who became a mum in her 40s, the reality has been far more complicated.
Sharing her story on TikTok, she opened up about how a comment at the school gates from the other mums left her feeling deeply uncomfortable.
Sheena, who is known as ‘sheena_tiktokreviews’ on TikTok, captioned the video: “Don’t do it…. Don’t even think about it…. #kids #kidsafter40 #over40 #over50.”
Reflecting on the early days of motherhood, she explained that “when you have kids” at the age of 40 “it’s lovely”.
However, as her children grew older, she began to face unexpected challenges – and one moment stands out above the rest.
Now she is at the age when she will head to the school playground to pick up her kids and other parents will ask how old she is, to which she will reply 48.
But she then reveals that other parents will then end up saying that she is the same age as their mum.
Sheena says: “Do you think that makes me feel good about myself? I’m going to tell you now, it doesn’t. I’m the same age as your kid’s grandma.”
Her honesty has sparked a debate online, with some praising her for speaking out while others argue that age shouldn’t determine a woman’s ability to be a good parent.
Within 24 hours her video gained 84,000 views and 483 comments.
One wrote: “I am 45 and my kids are middle school age. I am exhausted. Have kids when you are young and have energy!”
A second added: “Ummm I had my son at 41, I’m turning 44 in a couple of weeks and about to start trying for a second! …. Just lie, they won’t know!”
While a third commented: “I didn’t plan on having my second at 44. It happened.
“My body believed it could do it. I wouldn’t change my younger years.”
But someone else said: “Agree. My mom had me at 41. It isn’t a good idea.”
To which another person responded: “My parents had me when they were older.
“Never had any problems.
“It is a more personal thing where you might feel older than other parents at your children’s school.
“And I agree, 41 now is different to 41 back in the days.
“We are entering an ageing population, low birth rates due to cost of living and people choosing to have kids later on in life.”