Talking Point 7: Growing up and growing older

This photograph was taken a year or so ago when we cycled from Munich to Krakow over the Slovakian High Tatras. Well, I struggled over them on my bike while my 10 year old son powered his way up and over on his, without really pausing for breath.

On our recent trip to London he showed me up again. Firstly at the Ski and Snowboard Show where we had a go at roller skiing. I shuffled around in a circle like a pensioner in rubbish slippers with a recent hip replacement. (If you don’t believe me, check out this little video clip). While of course he did just fine. Then later on in the week, at the Natural History Museum’s pop up ice rink, yet more humiliation; I pretty much needed a zimmer. (Luckily there were some to hand in the shape of penguins). But my son, of course, had no such need.

Yesterday he turned 12. Today I turned forty five. At this time of year he feels his age (in a good way) and I feel mine (not so positive). It’s my own fault. I should have timed the pregnancy better. Moved the two birthdays six months apart to give me time to forget.

Today I am crossing the divide. I am now in a different bracket on an insurance form. The dreaded 45-60 bracket. He is still in the under 18 bracket and will be for quite some time. I think it’s safe to say I’m not at my peak any more. And I think it’s certain he is heading towards his.

But I don’t resent his age. I resent his fitness. I am jealous of his energy and the ease with which he  bikes every mountain, surfs every wave, skis every downhill, and walks back up again without puffing, coughing, flopping on a rock or stopping for an emergency coffee.

Does that make me a bad mother? Just checking.

Talking Point

Do your kids make you feel old and past your peak? What can I do about it? Accept gracefully that I’m on the way out or fight to keep up with them?

Join the conversation

Talking Point is our series of short Photo Friday posts. Each week we pick a photo, post a talking point and invite you to join the conversation. Leave a comment with your thoughts or tell us what the photo says to you.

For more photo inspired fun why not check out Travel Photo Thursday from Budget Travelers Sandbox, Photo Friday at Delicious Baby or Friday Dreaming at RWeThereYetMom.