The mum is 21 years older than the child, so...
M = C + 21
In 6 years from now the mum will be 5 times as old as the child.
M + 6 = (C + 6) * 5
(C + 21)+ 6 = (C + 6) * 5
C + 27 = 5C + 30
-3 = 4C
C = -3/4
The child is 3 years 4 months old, i.e. it'll be born in 9 month's time.
Before 4 years and 1 month the father was probably nearby.
Adults will understand it better. :)