[Jenni855]

And like a failure? I am 29, single, no kids and run a daycare. All the mothers say I am amazing at my job. Today I met a mum who I thought was a lot older but was actually 1 year older then me at 30. She has three kids. Why do I now feel embarrassed and weird/anxious over it?

[Frankbtl]

Hi Jenni, I'm thinking that you've been feeling a little insecure, less than confident (??) depressed lately from a couple of your threads, and it's kind of "struck home" how far you are from "the norm" seeing her/someone else with kids who's not that much older than you.
But the thing is the environment you're in doesn't represent "the norm".
Most of the women you see daily are mothers, whereas "out there" a lot less women are going to be mothers. Where you are, having kind of brief contact with a lot of them, you're probably seeing "on the surface" that a lot of them are "happy", "fulfilled", "have something so special" but while that may be the case for some I'm sure "behind closed doors" some of those see it as a real struggle. And some of those may not be in a position to work (like you are) and really wish they could........just get out there.........
But you Jenni, from reading your posts make such a difference in kids lives, and you're no doubt massively important to some of them, you may not even get to really see how positive an impact you have on some of them but that doesn't mean it isn't there/real........you have the right to feel so proud of where you are right now. You really do!!
And if separately to this you might want a child/children of your own, there's still time if............but regardless children or no children never forget your true worth!!! You already set your own standard and a standard I'm sure a lot of people would find really hard to come close to!!!

Alison

Is it possible you're feeling old yourself? You saw someone you thought was much older & it turns out she was essentially your age.

Now you take me, for example. I really am old! I sometimes see other people my age & I think: "OMG, am I really THAT OLD?" I tend to look a bit young for my age, I think. So when I see someone who is my age, & they're faces are wrinkled, & they have gray hair, & their overweight, it really drives home for me how old I actually am! Maybe something similar is happening with you.

[NihilistBlues]

Originally Posted by Jenni855

And like a failure? I am 29, single, no kids and run a daycare. All the mothers say I am amazing at my job. Today I met a mum who I thought was a lot older but was actually 1 year older then me at 30. She has three kids. Why do I now feel embarrassed and weird/anxious over it?

Having kids isn't everything. I would imagine this is a common insecurity woman in their late 20's feel.

I'm 28 with no kids & also work at a daycare. a few parents plus coworkers are always asking when I'm having a child of my own. but I'm one of those "whatever happens. happens" people. don't feel embarrassed over it, you're not alone!