A Baby at 41: New Beginnings, Challenges and Great Joy

Yesterday I turned 41. That in itself is a number that makes you think. What have I achieved? Where am I in my life? But what made this birthday special was not just the number, but the fact that I was celebrating it with a 10-month-old baby in my arms. Yes, a baby at 41, but that's not all: in addition to my youngest daughter, I also have a daughter who is almost 8, a daughter who is 11 and a son who turned 13 two days before my birthday. Having four children of such different ages is not only a challenge, but also an incredibly enriching experience.

A new beginning: between baby happiness and teenage turmoil

In a way, having a baby at 41 means starting all over again. While my older children are becoming more independent and going their own way, a baby requires round-the-clock attention. It's a constant shift between changing nappies and checking homework, between lullabies and teenage conversations about their first big feelings. But it is this balancing act between the different needs of my children that makes life so exciting and intense.

There are days when I feel like a circus juggler, trying to keep all these balls - or in my case, all these needs - in the air without letting one fall. But it is in these moments that I realise how much calmness I have developed over the years. In the past, I would probably have stressed more and questioned whether I was doing everything right. Now I realise that perfection is an illusion. It's about being there - with heart and mind.

The joys of late motherhood

There are so many joys that come with being a late mother. In my 20s and early 30s, motherhood was often filled with uncertainty. Have I made the right choices? Am I giving my children enough along the way? Now, at 41, I can simply enjoy many things more. I cherish the little moments, my baby's smile in the morning, the conversations with my older children in the evening. It's a joy that goes deeper because I know how quickly time passes.

I experience these moments more consciously and with a sense of gratitude that I may not have felt to the same extent before. It's a great blessing to be able to experience motherhood again at this age, because I can now see it from a completely different perspective.

Entrepreneurial challenges and the art of prioritising

Alongside my role as a mother of four, I took the plunge and set up this little shop here. This business is not only a creative outlet for me, but also a way to maintain my own independence while creating something that will appeal to and delight other parents.

The decision to start my own business was no accident. In fact, it was the fact that I had four children that led me down this path. This may seem contradictory at first - who would want to take on extra work with so many family commitments? But for me it was the other way round: I wanted the flexibility to set my own hours so that I could be there for my children when they needed me.

But of course, running your own business while juggling the needs of four children of different ages is not without its challenges. There are days when everything seems to be happening at once and it's important to prioritise and sometimes cut back.

Over the years I've learnt that it's not about fitting everything in perfectly, but about making smart choices about what's most important at any given time. In the past, I might have tried to do everything at the same time - only to end up exhausted and realising that none of it was really good. Now I know that I don't have to be afraid to postpone certain tasks or pass them on to others if the situation requires it.

Prioritising has become a life skill that helps me not only in my everyday life, but also in my business. It means knowing when it's time to focus fully on a project and when it's more important to take a break to be there for the family. Finding this balance is not always easy, but it is crucial for success - both at home and at work.

Another reason for going into business for myself was to set an example for my children. I want to show them that it is possible to follow your dreams and achieve your goals, even when you have many responsibilities. It's important to me that they see me picking myself up and carrying on despite the challenges. Maybe that will give them the confidence to make brave decisions later in life and go their own way.

Being self-employed has also given me the freedom to express my creativity and fulfil my role as a mother. It gives me the opportunity to create something of my own that brings joy to myself and others. Of course, there are days when the workload is heavy and the balancing act between family and career is difficult. But it's in those moments that I remember why I chose this path: To be there for my family and to pursue my own career path at the same time.

Ultimately, the experience of being a mother of four has helped me to see more clearly and understand what is really important. It has shown me how valuable my time is and how important it is to use it wisely. Prioritising means not only making decisions in the here and now, but also planning for the long term and keeping an eye on the big picture. It means knowing when to focus on your children and when it's time to move forward with your own business.

The wisdom that comes with age is an invaluable asset when it comes to finding that balance. At 41, I no longer have the urge to do everything immediately and perfectly. I know that some things take time and that it's OK to slow down sometimes. This gives me the serenity to manage my daily life as a mother and entrepreneur - and above all, the joy of living each moment consciously.