Four Reasons Why Being a Young Mom Rocks

Looking at the average teen pregnancy prevention ad, you might think these young girls (always girls, never directed at the teen boys) were headed to death row. In trying hard not to glamorize the issue, organizations all too often slide to the extreme and make the general assumption that teen parents as irresponsible, immature and selfish.

Let’s be clear – some ARE irresponsible, immature, and selfish. I mean, we’re talking about teens here. They’ve still got some growing up to do. But some teens and young adults become parents and their life begins anew. They are dedicated to their kids and they devote their lives to them. They do not deserve the ridicule and shame projected upon them.

The reality is that it’s not all gloom and doom, people! Contrary to what you see in the media, being a younger mother has its benefits that – shh! – you’re not supposed to mention for fear that you’re perpetuating the cycle. 

I actually like being a young mom and have a couple of reasons why: 

1. I have more credibility among my peers. It’s funny how women older than me still look down on me (and I’m almost 25!), but my friends my age think I am the second coming of Jesus because I can change a diaper with one hand and burp a baby with the other. If I were, say, 35, would it really be that impressive? They’d all have newborns too.

2. I’m eligible for “early probation.” I joke with my sister that becoming a mom is like being hit with an 18-to-life prison sentence, with no chance of probation. But both my kids will be out my house by the time I’m 41. That means I’ll be able walk around the house naked if I’d like or turn the
kids’ room into a library. Oh, the possibilities.

3. Heck, I’m still growing up. I was just a kid myself, like, yesterday. At times, I forget I’m someone’s mother because I so often still see myself as “Marilyn’s daughter.” But I still vividly remember the frustrations of not being able to communicate openly with my mom and how I felt when she misunderstood me. I hope I can avoid those potholes with my kids.

4. Avoided a lot of career interruptions. I had my kids before I really had a career, so I didn’t have to worry about future employers hassling me about maternity leave.

Is being a young mother hard? Of course. Do I want my daughter to become a mom at 17, 18? Nope. But if she did, I’d want to support her decision and show her that her life can be as fulfilling and joyful as she can make it. I am happy living the life that has unfolded before me and I make the most of it every single day.

Originally posted at The Pushback on 11.22.10.