I’ve decided to start a weekly thread called: Confessions of an Older Mom. Each week I’ll share or confess something from my years of parenting. This week, I’m confessing that I was indeed a teen mom and, yes, it was freaking hard.
I’ve been parenting for exactly 22 years. Considering that I’m almost 40, means I’ve been a mom for more than half my life. How is that even possible? Ahhhh…that’s right. I had my first child when I was just 17-years-old.
From the moment I realized I was pregnant, it was never a question of whether or not I would keep my child. I was old enough to understand the implications of my actions. I was also lucky enough to have a wonderful support network to help me understand all of the changes pregnancy brought about and assist me during the early days of motherhood. I was never without some level of support. Personally, I believe this was the critical piece of the puzzle that enabled me to become a good mom and raise my kids the right way. I wasn’t alone struggling to cope and understand.
I’m not saying it wasn’t stressful and that I didn’t have moments when I wanted to curl up into a ball and just become a normal 16-year-old again. Being a teen mom was not easy. Let me rephrase that – being a teen mom was f**king hard. I had to sacrifice a lot, putting many of my childhood dreams and ambitions on the back burner. But I did what I felt was right at the time. And I will stand by that decision until the day that I die. My life is richer and more meaningful because of that single choice.
Some people scoff at the fact that I was a teen mom. To them, I proudly stick up my middle finger and say, “Bite my ass.” That child I had when I was only a child myself has grown into an amazing man AND father. Yep. In December, he proudly brought my first grandbaby into this world. He’s never been in trouble, done drugs or irresponsible in any way. For as long as I can remember, the kid has been busting his butt working. I’m lucky. And I’m thankful.
If you happen to know a teen mom, rather than scorn her, try giving her some words of encouragement. You have no idea the difference you might make.
My son, Keith, his beautiful girlfriend, Darian, and our sweet, sweet baby Vera appear in the photo above. 
Well SAID!! First of all I cannot tell you how much I love this feature. It is genius.
All moms need and deserve support. Motherhood is a tough gig that’s full of challenges. Younger moms especially need our support not judgement.
Fantastic post and the perfect way to kick off Confessions of an Older Mom!!
The Dose of Reality recently posted..Friday Feasts: The Lunch Project and Also… Thank Goodness January Is Almost Over
I didn’t become a mother until I was 30, and it was still f**cking hard.
I do, however, have a friend who is 39 years old and is a grandmother 4 times over as all three of her own teenage daughters have walked in her own footsteps and become teen mothers themselves. I have used it as an opportunity to have open and honest conversations with my own teenage daughter about goal setting and what becoming a parent before she’s ready would mean to those goals. In the end I believe we’re all working under God’s plans anyway.
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Think this is a great series =)
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Two of my high school friends were teen moms, and I could see how hard it was for them to have to dive into this adult life as such a young age. I think they both did a great job of it, though, and it sounds as if you did too. Well done, mama!
Wombat Central recently posted..Making Friends at Every Age
Till I Read the last line ,I thought that was the teen you in the photo.
I could have a PhD in diaperology I spread out my Mommying over so many years.
Our county has a lot of teen moms. I don’t judge, I love. What more can I say? My sister had a baby when she was 20 and she relinquished her for adoption. It was a long period of grief. Her adoptive parents didn’t even tell her she was adopted until she was in her early 20′s. I actually discovered her through a weird twist of fate. She was actually a bridesmaid in my niece’s wedding… my sister’s other daughter.
I’m glad to have found you via SITS Sharefest! Such great women out here!
Julie Jordan Scott recently posted..Imogen Cunningham: Artist, Photographer, and Mom Who Was Ahead of Her Time.
WOW! I love what you said! Words of encouragement instead of scorn …yes! Many people argue that abortion is wrong and then will NOT lend a helping hand or a kind word to teen moms. We all know what it feels like to have some one encourage you just when you think you can’t take any more and we remember it. There is so much life in encouragement! Great Post
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