97| Redefining Motherhood in Midlife: Tamara Cortoos on Purpose, Resilience and Renewal

In this week’s Everyday Supermoms episode, Amy Grace chats with Tamara Cortoos, a mother of two, entrepreneur, and founder of the Midlife Crossroads Academy. Tamara shares her journey of becoming a mom later in life after IVF, raising her son and daughter abroad without family support, and eventually moving back to Belgium to give her children roots and connection with their grandparents.She opens up about the challenges of motherhood—especially letting go of control as her kids grow older, navigating conflict with a child who is just like her, and facing an identity shift in her forties. Tamara vulnerably shares how she grappled with midlife struggles like comparing herself to others, questioning her career path, and confronting ageism when she tried to start over professionally.Her story led her to create the Midlife Crossroads Academy, a coaching platform that helps women navigate midlife transitions with confidence, purpose, and self-compassion. This episode is filled with wisdom and hope for any mom wondering who she is beyond motherhood and what her next chapter could look like.Key Takeaways:Motherhood at any age comes with unique challenges. Tamara shares her perspective of becoming a mom at 37 and 39, including the joys and the struggles.Comparison is a thief of joy. Midlife often brings questions like “Who am I?” and “What’s next?”—and it’s easy to feel behind.Letting go of control is key. Parenting kids who mirror your own personality can be hard, but leaning into open communication helps build trust.Midlife isn’t just an ending—it’s a transformation. It’s a time to release old definitions of success and embrace new purpose and creativity.Community and roots matter. Returning to Belgium gave Tamara’s children a chance to know their grandparents and feel a sense of belonging.There’s hope on the other side. Studies show happiness follows a U-curve in life, often dipping in the mid-40s before rising again in later years.Key Quotes:“Every country has its pros and cons, but you can make home anywhere you go.” – Tamara Cortoos“I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for kids at 37, but I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t.” – Tamara Cortoos“I kept thinking, I have everything I wanted, but it still doesn’t feel like enough.” – Tamara Cortoos“The biggest sign you’re in midlife is realizing your time isn’t infinite.” – Tamara Cortoos“As moms, we’re often in perimenopause at the same time our kids hit puberty—sometimes it feels cruel, but it’s also a chance to grow.” – Amy Grace“If we can go back to our kids after conflict and say, ‘I was wrong there,’ we’re teaching them how to build healthier relationships.” – Amy GraceTamara is a life coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Midlife Crossroads Academy, where she helps women navigate the often-overlooked challenges of midlife with confidence and clarity. A mom of two, she became a parent later in life after her own journey with IVF, and has lived in Belgium, Spain, London, and Australia. Drawing on her experiences with motherhood, career transitions, and overcoming ageism, Tamara empowers women to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace their unique strengths, and create lives full of purpose, growth, and belonging.Midlife Crossroads Academy – ⁠midlifecrossroadsacademy.com⁠ Connect with Tamara on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ About Your Host:Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.👉 For more info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook, visit www.everydaysupermoms.com.