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A reader shares her advice to new parents: "If someone tells you you're doing a good job, take it and run. Those words of encouragement are few and far between"

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"I feel like I'm losing my mind. You see, I am a parent of 20-month-old twins and I'm 47 years old."
"I feel like I'm losing my mind. You see, I am a parent of 20-month-old twins and I'm 47 years old."
In response to a reader sharing his parenting tips in 'You feel like a herd of cows took a stroll across your face': PE-based dad shares hilarious advice for parenting after 30, another Parent24 reader wrote in to share her experience and helpful advice to parents raising young kids.

Also see:"Only one of us is allowed to freak out at a time" and other priceless advice for couples parenting in their 30s and 40s


"I feel like I'm losing my mind. You see, I am a parent of 20-month-old twins and I'm 47 years old. Right now, as I type this they are rearranging my bedroom and I am trying to keep calm.

Being a parent has brought out the best in me... but also the worst. I never realised the depth of love I could have for someone but I also did not realise how quickly I could lose my temper over even the smallest things. I'm told this will last another 4 or 5 years. Hence, I feel like I'm losing my mind. 

My advice for parents over 40 is the following:

  • If someone tells you you're doing a good job. Take it and run. Those words of encouragement are few and far between.
  • Communication with your partner is important. You tend to lose your identity as a couple because, let's face it, life gets even more hectic when you add kids to the mix. My husband and I talk in the kitchen whilst I prepare dinner. This is our time to talk about our day.


What's your parenting advice? Share your tips with us, and we could publish your mail. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

  • You don't have to take everyone's advice, including mine. We are all unique individuals who bring that uniqueness to our parenting. Remember that most of our peers already have children who are in their teens or even older. It's been a while since they parented babies and toddlers. Times have changed and so have they.
  • Cleanliness is no longer close to Godliness. With babies and toddlers around life is messy in every way, get used to it. I almost drove myself insane trying to keep the house and the kids clean. My daughter is a magnet for dirt.
  • Partners have grace for each other. We're all human and we're going to get it wrong sometimes. Remember your partner is probably as tired and as stressed as you are.
  • Share the workload. My husband and I take turns with the bedtime routine. Whilst one puts the twins to bed the other cleans up the kitchen. Our morning routine is shared. If we don't, neither of us would get to work on time.
  • Lastly, breathe. 

Remember, you are doing a good job.

– Wendy, Pietermaritzburg 

Chat back:

Did you become a parent later in life? What's your advice? Share your tips with us, and we could publish your mail. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

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