Published: April 25, 2025
By: Ronetta “Ronnie” Whitaker

🍃 This Week in My Real Life

Let me set the scene for you.

It’s Tuesday morning. I’m running late—again. Green Juice? Didn’t happen. Matching socks? Optional. But my 5-year-old “pandemic baby”? She’s marching around the house like she owns the ranch… in cowboy boots. Day THREE of these boots, y’all. And not because it’s Western Day at school (I checked).

I gently asked her why she wouldn’t wear any of the five other pairs of shoes in her closet, and she says—dead serious—

“All the other shoes hurt my feet.”

Well then. 🥴

So here I am, letting her rock those boots like she’s auditioning for Toy Story 5: Preschool Edition. Because honestly?

I’ve adopted a new life motto:
“I’m taking the path of least resistance.”

I’m learning—especially at this age and stage—not every battle is mine to fight. Some days, my peace is more important than her shoe rotation.

🍱 Snack Box Sanity: A Mama Hack That Saves Me

Let me put y’all on game—the snack box is a whole lifeline in my house.

Anytime we’re going to be in the car for more than 22 minutes (yes, I timed it), there is a snack box within reach. Not a Ziploc bag. Not a sad little granola bar in the glove box. I’m talking a full-blown, personalized, hand-packed, mama-approved tiny charcuterie board of survival.

Each of my girls gets their own personal snack stash in a little plastic bin filled with their favorites:

🍓 Fruit snacks
🧀 Goldfish
🥨 Pretzels
🧃 Juice box
💧 Reusable water bottles
🧻 Wipes. Always wipes.
🍫 One surprise treat (usually chocolate, because mama’s not crazy)

It’s not just about snacks—it’s about peace. Because nothing derails a car ride faster than two hungry girls in the backseat debating over the last gummy bear that the youngest found in her car seat cup holder.

The bonus? They feel special. Like it’s their own little lunchbox adventure. And I get to enjoy at least 15 minutes of quiet before someone needs to pee or suddenly doesn’t like crackers today. 😩

👢 The Village I Didn’t Know I Needed (But Now Can’t Live Without)

Listen… parenting after 40 isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s beautiful, layered, and absolutely worth it—but let’s not pretend it doesn’t come with a side of exhaustion and a never-ending to-do list.

That’s why your village isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

And I’m not just talking about a group chat full of memes or someone you wave at during school drop-off.
I mean the people who really see you. The ones who say:

“Girl, go take a nap—I got the kids.”

My husband? Whew. He’s my rock, my anchor, and the true MVP of this whole operation. Nothing—and I mean nothing—happens without him. He shows up for our girls, for me, and for this family every single day in ways that still catch me off guard. He doesn’t just support me—he carries this with me. 💪🏾

My parents? They’re the foundation that taught me how to build my own. Even though we live in different states, I know if I picked up the phone and said, “I need you,” they’d be at the airport before I finished my sentence.

My friends? Pure gold. The kind who send a “checking on you” text right when I need it, or drop off dinner without asking.

And my extended family? Always holding it down when I need backup, advice, or just a breath.

That kind of love? It humbles me.

Build that tribe, boo. Strengthen it. Water it. Nourish it.

Because parenting at this stage is beautiful, yes—but it’s also demanding, layered, and requires more energy than I sometimes have by 3 PM.

You don’t have to do it alone. And honestly? You shouldn’t.

🍼 Why This Blog Exists

I started Parenting After 40 because I know I’m not alone. I know there are other mamas (and papas) navigating this wild ride with a little more wisdom, a little less sleep, and a lot more snack boxes.

We’re doing the damn thing, even if our knees crack a little louder when we get off the floor.

This space is for us.
To laugh, cry, vent, share tips, and remind each other that we still got it—even on the days we forget where we put our coffee (or wine) three times.

📣 Let’s Keep This Party Going!

Got a parenting hack that saves your sanity?
A snack box strategy?
Or maybe you just want to say “hey girl, same”?

Drop a comment, share this with your village, and let’s grow this space together