This last year has been an interesting journey. I learned a lot about myself and I'm grateful to everyone who shared my journey with me. But I now find myself struggling between my family's needs and my endeavors. And if you've been listening to the podcasts or watching the vlogs for a while, you'd know that my family will always come first. So sadly, Older Moms' journey must come to an end.

This last year has been an interesting journey. I learned a lot about myself and I'm grateful to everyone who shared my journey with me. But I now find myself struggling between my family's needs and my endeavors. And if you've been listening to the podcasts or watching the vlogs for a while, you'd know that my family will always come first. So sadly, Older Moms' journey must come to an end.

216: Toodles...

After getting our child diagnosed with ADHD, the experts didn't really provide any directions for us. We find the support we expected from the school system, the community, or our pediatrician. Getting the resources to meet my child's needs was very difficult, so we learned to advocate for her. And the challenges didn't get easier with time—they were just different with time. But in spite of all these, I can't picture my life without my ADHD, OCD, Tourette's superhero!

After getting our child diagnosed with ADHD, the experts didn't really provide any directions for us. We find the support we expected from the school system, the community, or our pediatrician. Getting the resources to meet my child's needs was very difficult, so we learned to advocate for her. And the challenges didn't get easier with time—they were just different with time. But in spite of all these, I can't picture my life without my ADHD, OCD, Tourette's superhero!

215: ADHD: Lack of Support in Our Communities

The social component can be absolute hell for a child with an invisible condition or disability. People can be so cruel and unkind when they don't see another person's challenges. The key to helping your child find a space in society is to find an accepting social circle. Be with people who will be tolerant and accepting of their challenges and will appreciate their great qualities!

The social component can be absolute hell for a child with an invisible condition or disability. People can be so cruel and unkind when they don't see another person's challenges. The key to helping your child find a space in society is to find an accepting social circle. Be with people who will be tolerant and accepting of their challenges and will appreciate their great qualities!

214: ADHD: The Social Nightmare

There's a lot of criticism on the issue of whether or not to medicate a child with ADHD making a challenging situation even more difficult. ADHD is different for every child, so it's not just a matter of finding the right medication—but also the right dose for your child. Over time, we learned that a combination of minimal medication and behavioral therapy worked for us.

There's a lot of criticism on the issue of whether or not to medicate a child with ADHD making a challenging situation even more difficult. ADHD is different for every child, so it's not just a matter of finding the right medication—but also the right dose for your child. Over time, we learned that a combination of minimal medication and behavioral therapy worked for us.

213: ADHD: To Medicate or Not Medicate

We knew that Andy was probably going to have ADHD since the day she was in the NICU, but we were told was that children could not be diagnosed with ADHD until they turned six. When we were finally able to have her tested, it took three days for specialists to confirm what we knew all along—my child had ADHD.

We knew that Andy was probably going to have ADHD since the day she was in the NICU, but we were told was that children could not be diagnosed with ADHD until they turned six. When we were finally able to have her tested, it took three days for specialists to confirm what we knew all along—my child had ADHD.

212: ADHD: The Test

The main focus of my middle years is to continue to have a purpose in my life: make some changes in my habits, enjoy my age without fear of the future, and continue to find a way to contribute to my community. I'm giving myself permission to be me. I really want to be present. Often, we don't take the time to breathe in and enjoy the moment. Yes, we live the moment. Yes, we participate in it. But we don't take a moment to savor it. And I plan on doing that. That's what I call successful aging.

The main focus of my middle years is to continue to have a purpose in my life: make some changes in my habits, enjoy my age without fear of the future, and continue to find a way to contribute to my community. I'm giving myself permission to be me. I really want to be present. Often, we don't take the time to breathe in and enjoy the moment. Yes, we live the moment. Yes, we participate in it. But we don't take a moment to savor it. And I plan on doing that. That's what I call successful aging.

211: Aging Successfully!

I recently discovered that several people on my father's side of the family suffer from dementia, so I'm preparing for the possibility that I may develop dementia or Alzheimer's. I'm doing research to better understand dementia, applying for long-term care insurance coverage, and researching how I can remain healthier longer. I'm handling this possibility with optimistic realism.

I recently discovered that several people on my father's side of the family suffer from dementia, so I'm preparing for the possibility that I may develop dementia or Alzheimer's. I'm doing research to better understand dementia, applying for long-term care insurance coverage, and researching how I can remain healthier longer. I'm handling this possibility with optimistic realism.

210: World Alzheimer’s Day

I recently found out that my grandmother developed dementia. While she was not aware of the familial connection, I have the advantage of knowing that it's a possibility for me. This awareness means I could change my habits and change the outcome. I need to take care of myself to meet some of my grandchildren and make memories with them.

I recently found out that my grandmother developed dementia. While she was not aware of the familial connection, I have the advantage of knowing that it's a possibility for me. This awareness means I could change my habits and change the outcome. I need to take care of myself to meet some of my grandchildren and make memories with them.

209: Mirror Image (Dementia in Abuelita Ava)

A lot of women suffer from gerascophobia—the fear of aging. I've realized that I'm not afraid of aging, but I do want to age successfully. So what do I want in this aging process? I want to be around for my children; to reconnect with my husband; to travel. I want the opportunity to be a grandmother. I'm looking forward to having my grandchildren sitting in my lap, counting my wrinkles. There's been so many challenges in my fifty-five years, so much joy. I'm grateful for every day I've lived.

A lot of women suffer from gerascophobia—the fear of aging. I've realized that I'm not afraid of aging, but I do want to age successfully. So what do I want in this aging process? I want to be around for my children; to reconnect with my husband; to travel. I want the opportunity to be a grandmother. I'm looking forward to having my grandchildren sitting in my lap, counting my wrinkles. There's been so many challenges in my fifty-five years, so much joy. I'm grateful for every day I've lived.

208: Afraid of NOT Getting Older

I really found being a preemie mom to be a very isolating experience. People expected me to act like everything was "normal," even when facing so many challenges. While we eventually adjusted to our preemie reality, I wish someone had told me sooner to be patient with myself, my husband, and my family. So if you're new to the preemie game, allow others to help you. At the very least, you'll know somebody is going through this with you.

I really found being a preemie mom to be a very isolating experience. People expected me to act like everything was "normal," even when facing so many challenges. While we eventually adjusted to our preemie reality, I wish someone had told me sooner to be patient with myself, my husband, and my family. So if you're new to the preemie game, allow others to help you. At the very least, you'll know somebody is going through this with you.

207: Preemies: Feeling Isolated

I began my journey into motherhood at the age of 40. I quickly discovered that starting motherhood later in life was a lonely place. The truth is that I had very little in common with other mothers who had children my girls’ age, and that has not changed over time. It was apparent that mothers in my situation need a place they can find honesty, a place where perfection is not required, a place where you don’t need to feel alone. If you were looking for that place, you have found it!

My wife and I got into our late thirties and realized we&#39;d forgotten to have kids. (Don&#39;t let that happen to you - keep a to do list!) We now have two kids in their twenties, but when I kids were growing up, we always seemed like the oldest parents. This show is for folks like us who are discovering parenthood a bit later than your peers - you are not alone and you have a valuable perspective on parenthood. Listen and enjoy this gem of a show!

New mom later in life? You're not alone!

I don’t have kids yet but have been thinking about adopting in mid-life. 
This show is very encouraging! Highly recommend!

Maybe it’s not too late?

Motherhood Later in Life: Celebrating Our Joy!

As a mom I feel I need to teach my kids that mom is one person, and one person can't do it all. They are so used to seeing us multitask. But in some cases, it's simply not possible. We need help too.Dad loves the kids as much as mom. When you have two kids in crisis, or four, you're going to have to split up and conquer. And, dad's love is as good as mom's love.Kids need to learn to share their mom with their siblings.

As a mom I feel I need to teach my kids that mom is one person, and one person can't do it all. They are so used to seeing us multitask. But in some cases, it's simply not possible. We need help too.Dad loves the kids as much as mom. When you have two kids in crisis, or four, you're going to have to split up and conquer. And, dad's love is as good as mom's love.Kids need to learn to share their mom with their siblings.

002: On Being an Older Mom

Arianna Grande

Ariana Grande's lack of responsibility and sense of entitlement has made the pitfall of not teaching our children self-accountability or responsibility. Children need to travel through the self-centered years that is adolescence. However, we should use their mistakes as teachable moments to help them become well-rounded adults. 

Ariana Grande's lack of responsibility and sense of entitlement has made the pitfall of not teaching our children self-accountability or responsibility. Children need to travel through the self-centered years that is adolescence. However, we should use their mistakes as teachable moments to help them become well-rounded adults.

015: The Arianna Grande Concert

My new year's resolutions for 2020 are: 1) Continue to be the best mother I can possibly be. 2) Work hard on my new entrepreneurial ventures. 3) Be sexier by being smart, thoughtful, and generous. 4) And, finally, continue to build and live my life on my own terms.

My new year's resolutions for 2020 are: 1) Continue to be the best mother I can possibly be. 2) Work hard on my new entrepreneurial ventures. 3) Be sexier by being smart, thoughtful, and generous. 4) And, finally, continue to build and live my life on my own terms.

100: Mama’s New Year’s Resolution

 Since it's Christmas Eve, I would like to share with you a family tradition that we have. When my girls were young, I would read "It Was The Night Before Christmas" to them every Christmas Eve. Today, I'd like to read it for you. I hope you enjoy!

Since it's Christmas Eve, I would like to share with you a family tradition that we have. When my girls were young, I would read "It Was The Night Before Christmas" to them every Christmas Eve. Today, I'd like to read it for you. I hope you enjoy!

018: It Was the Night Before Christmas

 I've always loved celebrating Christmas with all the traditions attached to it. But when I was nine, my father had a very stressful time because of several piled up problems. He went home drunk on Christmas Eve and almost ruined everybody's Christmas when, in anger, he told my sister that Santa Clause does not exist. It was a shock for me too but I knew it was up to me to restore my little sister's faith in Santa.

I've always loved celebrating Christmas with all the traditions attached to it. But when I was nine, my father had a very stressful time because of several piled up problems. He went home drunk on Christmas Eve and almost ruined everybody's Christmas when, in anger, he told my sister that Santa Clause does not exist. It was a shock for me too but I knew it was up to me to restore my little sister's faith in Santa.

013: The Day my Father Tried to Kill Santa Claus

 We've always been told that Christmas is the season of giving and sharing so for this episode, instead of talking to you about being a Mamma, I'd like to share with you one of my greatest joys. This is Emmy with Joy To The World!

We've always been told that Christmas is the season of giving and sharing so for this episode, instead of talking to you about being a Mamma, I'd like to share with you one of my greatest joys. This is Emmy with Joy To The World!

019: Joy to the World

 We participated in this year's Fall Festival -- the girls taking their first crack at entrepreneurship, and I on a dessert baking contest. I wasn't sure if the girls were ready to experience failure that naturally comes with entrepreneurship but we just gave it a go and hoped for the best. The girls and I all had our disastrous surprises, but with a little positive outlook and support from each other, we were able to turn what others might think of as fails, into surprising moments of self-discovery.

We participated in this year's Fall Festival -- the girls taking their first crack at entrepreneurship, and I on a dessert baking contest. I wasn't sure if the girls were ready to experience failure that naturally comes with entrepreneurship but we just gave it a go and hoped for the best. The girls and I all had our disastrous surprises, but with a little positive outlook and support from each other, we were able to turn what others might think of as fails, into surprising moments of self-discovery.

005: The Fall Festival

When you make you're making your New Year's resolutions this year, remember: Opportunity is another word for hard work. Sexiness is being smart, thoughtful, and generous. And, finally, take ownership of your world. You do that, and you will have a great year!

When you make you're making your New Year's resolutions this year, remember: Opportunity is another word for hard work. Sexiness is being smart, thoughtful, and generous. And, finally, take ownership of your world. You do that, and you will have a great year!

020: New Year's Eve Message

 My girls were exposed to musicals before they were four through Disney productions. I felt that although these were great, they were missing the extravagance of theater musicals. When we took them to see Mama Mia, they were hooked. We all were. We bonded over the songs and the movies over the years. It's wonderful to see my girls passionately appreciate this dying art and I'm really hoping that when they have their own families, they shouldn't have to convince them to see Mama Mia in the theater as we did.

My girls were exposed to musicals before they were four through Disney productions. I felt that although these were great, they were missing the extravagance of theater musicals. When we took them to see Mama Mia, they were hooked. We all were. We bonded over the songs and the movies over the years. It's wonderful to see my girls passionately appreciate this dying art and I'm really hoping that when they have their own families, they shouldn't have to convince them to see Mama Mia in the theater as we did.

010:  Mama Mia Mania

I am teaching my children to accept that disappointment happens to everyone.No one gets through life without disappointment, some are bigger than others.I want them to know that when you accept that perfection is impossible, they will be able to appreciate the good things in life.

I am teaching my children to accept that disappointment happens to <a href="http://everyone.No" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">everyone.No</a> one gets through life without disappointment, some are bigger than others.I want them to know that when you accept that perfection is impossible, they will be able to appreciate the good things in life.

006: Singing the Blues

 This was the first Day of the Dead we had without my mother. I wanted to put up a shrine on her honor. As I struggled with this, realizations about my mother's own struggles in our relationship dawned in on me. While I felt that she didn't love me enough, it was her own way of saying that she loved me so much that she wanted for me to become the best version of myself. And as I'm raising my own children, I see my own struggles in them. I now understand how she had made me the best version of myself.

This was the first Day of the Dead we had without my mother. I wanted to put up a shrine on her honor. As I struggled with this, realizations about my mother's own struggles in our relationship dawned in on me. While I felt that she didn't love me enough, it was her own way of saying that she loved me so much that she wanted for me to become the best version of myself. And as I'm raising my own children, I see my own struggles in them. I now understand how she had made me the best version of myself.

007: The Day of the Dead

 I have always wanted to have four children ever since I was little. But circumstances have forced me to give up on getting pregnant again afer giving birth to my twin daughters. My husband and I have considered other options such as surrogacy and adoption. It seemed hopeless, but I didn't give up on my dreams. It took a while for us to finally get the chance to expand our family but when Dora and Bug came into our lives, the family I have always dreamt of was finally complete.

I have always wanted to have four children ever since I was little. But circumstances have forced me to give up on getting pregnant again afer giving birth to my twin daughters. My husband and I have considered other options such as surrogacy and adoption. It seemed hopeless, but I didn't give up on my dreams. It took a while for us to finally get the chance to expand our family but when Dora and Bug came into our lives, the family I have always dreamt of was finally complete.

011: Giving Thanks for our New Family

 Adopting new kids into our family is challenging, especially since they have already developed their unique individualities and the kids speak a different language than us. As a mom, I need to be patient, understanding and be the bridge to connect the social gap so they can get along. Getting along and learning a new language will come naturally when the kid is willing to do so. Adopted kids need to understand and accept their situations so they are willing to figure out how to get along.

Adopting new kids into our family is challenging, especially since they have already developed their unique individualities and the kids speak a different language than us. As a mom, I need to be patient, understanding and be the bridge to connect the social gap so they can get along. Getting along and learning a new language will come naturally when the kid is willing to do so. Adopted kids need to understand and accept their situations so they are willing to figure out how to get along.

008: The Language Barrier

So was this Halloween a trick or treat?I have always enjoyed celebrating Halloween but after going through several surgeries over the years, I'm starting to feel the toll on me. This year's celebration also made me realize that the girls have really grown up and that Bug isn't far behind. But in retrospect, I've also realized that sharing the wonderful experiences that my children are having in their lives was something that I was never supposed to have. Yet, here I am, enjoying every bit of frustratingly joyous moment in our blessed life.

So was this Halloween a trick or treat?I have always enjoyed celebrating Halloween but after going through several surgeries over the years, I'm starting to feel the toll on me. This year's celebration also made me realize that the girls have really grown up and that Bug isn't far behind. But in retrospect, I've also realized that sharing the wonderful experiences that my children are having in their lives was something that I was never supposed to have. Yet, here I am, enjoying every bit of frustratingly joyous moment in our blessed life.

004: Halloween

 Entrepreneurship is out of my confort zone but I dipped my toes into it. Initially things went well until competitors pulled us down. But my determination to help support my children’s dreams and to continue selling the brand built in me and my twin's image opened the doors for me to build my own business-- apart from my husband who has a different working style and away from the controlling market giant wherein we initially sold things. This reminds me that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children.

Entrepreneurship is out of my confort zone but I dipped my toes into it. Initially things went well until competitors pulled us down. But my determination to help support my children’s dreams and to continue selling the brand built in me and my twin's image opened the doors for me to build my own business-- apart from my husband who has a different working style and away from the controlling market giant wherein we initially sold things. This reminds me that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children.

009: Entrepreneurial Dreams

The Christmas spirit is a lot like the Parenthood spirit.  You have to let go and accept that nothing comes out the way that we expected it, nothing works out the way it was meant to, and yet something beautiful still comes out of it!

The Christmas spirit is a lot like the Parenthood spirit.  You have to let go and accept that nothing comes out the way that we expected it, nothing works out the way it was meant to, and yet something beautiful still comes out of it!

016 The Nutcracker's Beautiful Hot Mess

 When my twins were first gifted an Elf on the Shelf, it was quickly forgotten -- they were creeped out by the idea that it watches over them and reports to Santa. Later, we encountered it again when they were being sold for charity. The girls loved the idea so we bought two. Since then, the Elves have taken on matching personalities to our twins and excited us with their antics. When Dora and Bug joined our family, they Elves also brought along two more of their kind to take care of my new children.

When my twins were first gifted an Elf on the Shelf, it was quickly forgotten -- they were creeped out by the idea that it watches over them and reports to Santa. Later, we encountered it again when they were being sold for charity. The girls loved the idea so we bought two. Since then, the Elves have taken on matching personalities to our twins and excited us with their antics. When Dora and Bug joined our family, they Elves also brought along two more of their kind to take care of my new children.

012: The Elf on the Shelf

 1. The internal conflict I had as a mom of two toddlers made it difficult for me to accept the complex surgery I had to undergo. I know I have to live longer for them but I didn't want to take the risk of dying. Even if I survive, I'll not be able to take care of them with my long recovery. 2. Sometimes as mothers, we set aside our own comfort just to give the best for our children. But we have to realize that we need to take care of ourselves first and make our love for them our main motivation to live.

1. The internal conflict I had as a mom of two toddlers made it difficult for me to accept the complex surgery I had to undergo. I know I have to live longer for them but I didn't want to take the risk of dying. Even if I survive, I'll not be able to take care of them with my long recovery. 2. Sometimes as mothers, we set aside our own comfort just to give the best for our children. But we have to realize that we need to take care of ourselves first and make our love for them our main motivation to live.

104: Hysterectomy: Taking the Plunge

 1. I have honest and open conversations with my children so they can come to me when they have to make decisions or at least have real knowledge when they are conflicted. 2. I do my best to establish clear and understandable rules that children understand so I can guide them with discipline and love.

1. I have honest and open conversations with my children so they can come to me when they have to make decisions or at least have real knowledge when they are conflicted. 2. I do my best to establish clear and understandable rules that children understand so I can guide them with discipline and love.

103: The Dating Game, part 1

 1. I learned that courage is the ability to do something that scares you.  2. I had to be courageous in the face of a hard decision.  3. And, I also found that I can be more resilient than you know.

1. I learned that courage is the ability to do something that scares you. 2. I had to be courageous in the face of a hard decision. 3. And, I also found that I can be more resilient than you know.

102: Hysterectomy: The Long Road to My Decision

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!