Teen pregnancy has become a very common thing, in some towns more than others. In the year 2003 there were only 2 pregnant teens in my high school. One was a freshman and the second pregnant teen was me. I was a 16 year old sophomore when I found out I was pregnant. Most girls would be upset, scared, and some may even consider abortion. But for me, finding out I was going to be a mother was the best day of my life. I have dreamed of being a mom since I was a little girl. Being able to care for someone, love someone, and be there for them every second is the number one gift.
In some cases the teen may not have everyone’s support, and lots of the time the father will run away and want nothing to do with the mother or the baby. In my case I had everyone’s support. In December of 2003 I married my sweetheart, who was also my baby’s daddy. And finally in March of 2003 I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl.
Wow, being a teen mom is a very challenging job, but it’s also the best job. You no longer have extra time to just hang with friends, party, or act irresponsible. You now have a baby to watch over and take care of. I had to take her in the bathroom with me while I would shower, she would sit in a little bouncy toy. I had to remove my silly kid stuff like nsync posters and Britney spears dolls from my room, and make room for stuffed animals, blankets, diapers, and a crib. To be honest my room was much cuter after all the baby stuff was in there. After I had my daughter, I started going to high school at an alternative school. That way I could take my daughter with me. We were at school from 8 to 5 every single day. After school, my daughter would go to a babysitter while I would work, and everyday on my break, the sitter would bring her to me so she could be nursed. When I wasn’t working or going to school my daughter and I played together and went out of town. I was actually able to graduate high school an entire year early.
It was hard managing my time between my baby, my husband, my school, my job, the other members of my family, time for myself, and of course time to sleep. I had to wake up at least 4 times a night to nurse her, and sometimes we would be awake for hours at a time. I was constantly exhausted, constantly in need of more money, but I was always constantly in love. My daughter was the best thing in my life. So you say being a teen mom is hard, imagine being a teen mom to two babies. At age 18 I gave birth to another beautiful healthy baby, but this time it was a boy. I couldn’t be happier my children make my life complete. My husband and I are doing pretty good for our selves; we have a nice apartment, a nice car, steady income, nice things, and we have lots of fun together, and I am still a teen, I am only 19 years old.
I’m not trying to brag or tell you that teen parenting is easy, because its not. I’m just telling you that it is possible and it will turn into the best job of your life. Being a mom is wonderful. Am I telling you to go out and get pregnant at 15? No! I’m simply saying that if it does happen, it’s not the end of your life; you can still follow your hopes and dreams. If you are a teen parent reading this I am proud of you and your child is too. If you’re a pregnant teen reading this, just realize that your best days are ahead of you. And if you are a mother or father of a teen parent, don’t be angry or feel to blame, just pray that you were a good parent and that your daughter has learned from you.
Every woman has the ability to be a great mother.
