to think that children don't keep you young?

[hedgehogcake]

Its something I see written or hear being said that having children helps keep you young, teenages in your 40's and 50's keeps you youthful but in my experiance my teens make me feel ancient. I was wearing my granny boot slippers (very toasty) and big cosy dressing gown as I shuffled into the kitchen this morning half asleep for my coffee and DS 14 said "oh look hagrids up" Which made DD16 laugh. I the caught my reflection in the fridge door and could see what they meant! Yes it was funny but sometimes I feel so ancient when I see myself though their eyes. Sure I could make an effort before leaving the bedroom each moring but why should I in my own home? I suppose everyone my age (44) looks a little rough. My childfree friends probably look crap at times but they can do it in private and when at large they look as svelte and cool as they did at 25! They also don't spend their life slaving after three kids so have more time and money to spend on themselves, attend concerts, galleries and eat out at new resturants (ok perhaps not right now but generally).

I love my kids and am happy with the choices I made but the idea that they keep you young is a total myth in my opinion!

DC definitely don't make you look younger.
Mine makes me feel younger but not look younger, they are the cause of my lines.
DS asked why I had strips on my forehead I said "they're frown wrinkles love"
Any of my friends who had none or only had one of teen age now look great.

I was late to motherhood so think of myself as a ‘young mum’ even though I’m not that young and permanently exhausted.

It's one of the oldest cons going.
I would still have them again and no regrets, but physically, emotionally and mentally they are draining.

Absolutely, I think children age you! Mine definitely have!! I was 27 when DC1 was born, I'm now 32 and had a second DC and I guarantee if I hadn't had them, I would look and seem much younger and more carefree!

I had my first at 34, my second at 38. DS2 has a fashion degree and directs me to nice things, so no Cotton Traders or Hobbs for me. They also play music that I don't have knowledge of but often like, I then explore the genre further. I'm not sure I look any younger for having had m children a little later than most but I do think their influence persuades me to dress better and be more open minded. We have several friends also mid 60's who do not have children and act much older than us, they also tend to listen a lot to 70's music, which is fine, but there is more out there.

Oh gosh. DH and I have aged massively in the last 5 years since having DS. We love him dearly and our lives practically revolve around him. But Jeezy peeps, he’s hard work sometimes

Children keep you young if they aren't yours. If you work with them, have them for holidays or are a grandparent.
The opposite occurs with 24/7 live in children. And this year the kids have been around more than ever before.