Like many modern women, Judy Haveson spent her twenties and much of her thirties building her career, leaving little room for romance and family planning. The successful PR professional finally met Adam, her now-husband, on a Jewish dating site a few years shy of her fortieth birthday. After several painful losses, Judy got her rainbow baby at the age of forty-three and thus began her journey as a (much older) new mother. While undoubtedly overjoyed, the nagging voice of fear was questioning the outcome. Would her aging body be able to handle pregnancy? What if she couldn’t keep up with the other moms? Would she still be around for those big milestones?
“Oldest Mom on the Playground” is a charming collection of essays Judy Haveson wrote as she navigated the depths of motherhood. Judy candidly shares everything from the fuzzy, sleep-deprived fog of juggling work and family life to elitist preschools to the realities of being an aging mom. This emotionally charged novel is brimming with humor, funny anecdotes, and abundant love.
Judy Haveson approached writing this immersive novel like she approaches all other aspects of her life: with laugh-out-loud commentary and a go-with-the-flow attitude that instantly puts readers at ease. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned one with several years of experience, Haveson delivers relatable content to entertain and enlighten you.
In particular, I enjoyed her stories about raising a child in New York and her son’s affinity for the city’s subway system. Also, the application process for getting Jack into a preschool in the area was highly amusing, albeit painstakingly tedious. Haveson expertly illustrated the fast-paced and sometimes bizarre aspects of child-rearing in a busy city instead of the suburbs of Houston, where she grew up.
Motherhood proved to be a pivotal time of self-discovery for Judy, and this was deftly portrayed through her ever-changing feelings toward remaining a full-time working mom or quitting her job to stay home with Jack. Judy devoted years to her career, and it became her identity. But the abundant love and concern for her son’s well-being quickly took precedence. It was intriguing seeing her evolution unravel, which will certainly resonate with other mothers.
For readers who enjoy quick-witted novels about motherhood, Judy Haveson’s “Oldest Mom on the Playground” should be at the top of your reading pile. The essays don’t follow a linear order, making it easy for readers to select chapters in any order. Moreover, Haveson’s vast array of topics from varying stages of Jack’s life (newborn to teen, etc.) provides an immersive reading experience. Don’t miss out on this one!
