This post is dedicated to all the pregnant teens who are moving forward in their pregnancy, and a little nervous about the shape their lives are about to take. Let these encouraging messages from TheYoungMommyLife community (mostly from women who are teen mothers themselves) remind them that there is still a lot of life ahead of them. The best is yet to come.
Look toward the future
“A baby is not a death sentence to your future. You can still pursue your dreams, but it may take longer and be harder. Early pregnancy is not an excuse to give up, but a motivation to push forward.”
“You can do it and when you don’t think that you can, you can look to us as examples. Just have to get your priorities in order and take things a day at a time.”
Get a great support system
“Find support and use it wherever it comes from. Parents, family, teachers, mentors or elsewhere. It is scary. Motherhood is always scary. But know you will get through it. Many of us have walked the same road. You are not alone and your situation is not impossible. Pray for patience and a nurturing spirit. Know that you have to take care of yourself in order to care for the baby. That means, be physically healthy starting now and continue after baby. You are his/her first example. Find spiritual health in whatever faith background you have. Educate yourself. There are so many options to assure you graduate from high school and even go to college. Ask your teachers and guidance counselors at school. Remember that your decisions have to be made based on the child’s best interest, not your personal ego or desires. So make sure you develop loving relationships and is in a environment that you can flourish even if you make have to make some sacrifices or it’s not the popular decision.”
“I’m praying for you, honey. This is not the end. It is just a detour. You *can* do this, and there are people who will help you. God bless you and your baby!”
“You’re not alone and with help you can do this. This is not the end.”
You are not alone
“I was 15 when I had my first child graduated from high school and then went on to college. My best advice is to have a plan for you and your little one and surround yourself with people who love you and can relate to your life. Join teen parent groups and seek out a mentor. This is NOT easy, but you and I aren’t the first or the last young ladies to do it and you know what…it’s not any easier when you’re 24 LOL. Keep a journal and write in it all the time. You’ll be just fine!”
“You are not alone and that there are many young ladies out there who were once in that position and have managed to rise above and beyond their circumstances. I am one of those women. My daughter is now 23 and I couldn’t be more proud of my accomplishments.”
You are more than capable
“Being pregnant at young age is scary and a lot to deal with. Nope I refuse to believe it will be harder for me. Continue to go to school; that’s the only thing that’s really gonna help you in the future. The better education, the more money you’ll have. You have to really be focus on your grind nonstop. Forget what other people have to say about you, things happen. No one is perfect. No need to live in the past because you can’t change it so just really focus on making a better future for you and your child because that’s all that matters. Just don’t give up and be a role model to your child. And if anyone tells you you can’t do it, take that as motivation and prove them all wrong.”
“It’s okay. You will realize you have a strength you didn’t even know existed. And when that bundle of joy arrives you will know and see it was all worth it.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and take it when offered. You’re stronger and smarter than you may realize and you will get through it. Plus we’re all here for you.”
“Just stay strong. It’s gonna be hard but it can only get better. Just don’t give up. It’s a lot of people out there that say when you have a child at a young age you have ruined your life but that’s not true. You can still focus on your dreams, only this time you will have to work a little harder for them now, because you have a child that you have to take care of. It’s a lot of people that have told me I wouldn’t be where I am today because of my son. Just don’t listen to them; do what’s best for you and your child. That’s what’s kept me motivated. Keep moving forward.”
“Pray and hold on during the tough times.”
“Nothing to fear, but ‘fear’ itself. This is a test you can ace. Everything you need is inside you. Ask for help when you need it, trust yourself. You got this. Piece of cake.”
“Trust yourself…and its okay to not have all the answers.”
Don’t forget to focus on yourself too
“Be mindful of your mental health. When you graduate, you will be part of a badass club of teen mom high school graduates.”
“No matter what you choose to do, you should embrace where you are in life right now. You are giving life which is beautiful and something not everyone can do. It is okay to feel, so allow yourself to in healthy ways.”
“Eff everybody else, get on your grind, and do you, boo. If they wasn’t shooting with you in the gym, then they cant judge your game. Don’t let the people who haven’t read your life story tell you what’s on the next page.”
“Pray. Stay encouraged. Be around positive and uplifting people. Know that all things are possible.”