Age is just a number right? Unless of course you’re a parent who is older or younger than the 'norm' (whatever that is!) and then suddenly it’s open season with people age-shaming you.

The truth is, you’re an awesome parent no matter what your age. And while official figures from the Office of National Statistics show the average age of a first-time mum is 30.7 (for first-time dads it’s 33.6), being older or younger than this means you bring lots of different qualities to your parenting, too.

Which should be pretty obvious to everyone. But many parents who spoke to C&G baby club for their ‘Love Don’t Judge’ campaign say they are STILL being judged.

From asking younger mums, ‘Aren’t you scared of missing out?’, to quizzing older mums on how they’ll cope with the lack of sleep (spoiler alert: it’s exhausting no matter how old you are), age-shaming is a real issue for some parents.

And while much of it from family and friends is innocently said or (in their minds at least) well-meaning, that doesn’t make it right. Instead, we should celebrate all parents and families, regardless of life choices or age.

Which is why we’re supporting C&G baby club who are calling time on judgement, unsolicited advice and assumptions. Their campaign #LoveDontJudge gives us all the freedom to follow our instincts and do what comes naturally when it comes to raising our children. Because as C&G baby club says, there’s only one way to raise a happy healthy baby ... and that’s your way.

With that in mind, here are just a few benefits of being an 'older' or 'younger' parent. 

1. You can cope with anything

Both the younger and older parents who spoke to C&G baby club said they were asked, ‘How will you cope?' with the responsibility and the lack of sleep.

Which would be ironic, if it wasn't so irritating. Because of course you'll cope, just the same as any other parent: both on your own and with the support of your partner, family and friends.

And when it comes to the lack of sleep you'll be doing what every parent EVERYWHERE does: drinking lots of coffee.

Sure, you’re knackered if your baby is up all night or if your toddler insists on playing the same game 10 times in a row, but show us a parent who isn’t. And yes, having a baby is a HUGE responsibility. But your age doesn't mean you aren't ready or able to cope.

The truth of it is, no matter if you’re 19 or 49, you are the best parent you can be. And you're proof that when it comes to parenting, age is irrelevant.

2. You have an awesome social life

What is it about being an older or younger parent and people becoming fixated on your social life?

'There goes your social life', is something every parent hears when they have a baby. But as soon as you are regarded as a 'younger' or 'older' parent, those comments take on a far more judgemental edge. And that just isn't right.

Younger mums told C&G baby club researchers they’d heard comments including, ‘You’ll be missing out on your freedom and fun’, or on the flipside were judged for going out and told, ‘You should be indoors now with the baby.’ 

Older mums said they’d been asked, ‘Won’t you miss your independence?’ Honest answer? No. Because having a child doesn’t mean an end to your social life or that you’ll never go out again. Rather than losing your freedom, your friendship group widens as you meet loads of other lovely parents. 

And just like every other parent, you find your diary skills step up a notch as you make sure you have time for you and your partner to enjoy yourselves, baby-free.

You're entitled to a life outside of being a parent. And when you do go out, you’ve totally earned it … enjoy!

3. Having a baby doesn’t mean an end to your plans

We wish we didn’t have to spell this out. But the C&G baby club research found some family members, friends or strangers hold onto the idea that having a baby means an end to life as you know it.

One young mum said she was told, ‘You won’t be able to do what you’ve been studying for.’ 

Well actually she – and any other parent who chooses to – can. The reality is, becoming a mum or dad doesn't mean you can't finish your education or land your dream job.

Many colleges and universities have on-site nurseries and other support for parents. Sure it’s a juggle doing your course and looking after your child. But it IS possible. And there are lots of options for flexible working so you can fit your career around your child.

4. You hope people will STOP making judgements

Being a parent is hard enough without others second guessing you or making assumptions. And this happens even more if you are older or younger than people’s ideas of what is ‘normal’.

But it’s worth remembering that these judgements are a reflection on the person making them, not on you. 

Older mums who chatted to C&G baby club said they often heard insensitive comments about how long they’d ‘waited’ to have a baby. ‘We’d given up on you’ and, ‘You’re depriving your parents of grandchildren' were just some of the things they'd been told. The reality was, it wasn’t always a choice and some had struggled to conceive.

Meanwhile one younger mum said she was approached by total strangers who asked, ‘Is he your baby?’, implying she was either too young to be a mum, or the childminder.

Parenting comes with ups and downs at any age so whether you're an 'older' or 'younger' parent, we're all in the same boat. No matter what your age, just follow your instincts and remember – you rock!