Things You Hear as a Young Mom

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I became a mother at the young age of 19 and I had no idea what was in store for me. All I knew was that I wanted to take the journey. I believed that I was ready for the challenges and for the most part, I was. I wasn’t always prepared for the litany of remarks that came along with being a young mom, however.

1) “Your social life is over.” 

Is it truly over? Or is it just different? I still have friends. I still have fun. The type of fun I have isn’t quite as wild or spontaneous. Nights out require a little bit of planning, but they still happen if we want them!

2) “You did everything backward.”

By society’s standards, yes, we did everything out of order. My husband and I had two children together and then we got married. It isn’t conventional. Yet, it is working quite well for us so far after 9 years together. 

3) “You don’t look old enough to have a kid.”

You don’t look young enough to not know how rude you’re being.

I will save the crasser comments because I don’t believe they are necessary. I knew from the start that parenting would be very difficult, regardless of my age. All those people (and more) forgot to see the beauty in it. Being a young mom brought me a wealth of joy and knowledge. To the soon-to-be young mothers, I say this:

1) You will learn love. It will exist in you in a way you never knew was possible. You will love so deeply it will hurt.

2) Your appreciation for your parents will explode. You will understand their sacrifice, their fears, and their bond with you.

3) You will grow, seemingly overnight. Your life will no longer revolve around yourself. Your heart will beat for someone else and you will revel in it. 

Motherhood is a gift, no matter your age.