No matter how old you are, being a mother is life-changing. It comes with a slew of challenges. This is especially true for young moms who find themselves dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
But motherhood also comes with precious moments that you’ll treasure forever, whatever your age.
If you have ever seen Gilmore Girls, you might have dreamed about being a young mom. So, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of being a young mom.
Plus Sides of Being a Young Mom
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You Have More Energy
Now, you don’t have to be an avid athlete to be an energetic mom. No matter what your fitness regime, it’s generally true that younger women have more energy than their older peers.
As a young mom, you’ll naturally have more energy, and you’ll need it! Having a baby means you sleep less and have more to do while raising a quickly growing child.
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You’re Not Chasing the Biological Clock
It’s common knowledge that the older women are, the less fertile they become. So, if you start young, you don’t have to worry about missing your chance to have kids. Young moms can take full advantage of their prime, baby-making years.
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Eligible for Benefits
There are many federal and state programs that offer services and support to young moms. Funding can help cover food, education, childcare, medical care and much more. These are special services available to young mothers to help make their new life easier. So, it’s definitely something to take advantage of.
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Focus and Prioritize
When you’re in your teens and early twenties, you don’t have many important responsibilities. If you do, none of them are quite as life-changing as having a baby!
Instead, you’re likely focusing on lighter things, like social life, style, boys, and trends. Having a child forces you to focus on what’s important and create priorities.
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Bounce Back Quickly
Pregnancy changes your body forever, but as a young mom, your body has an easier time healing and recovering from pregnancy and birth.
Yes, your body will never be the same again, but youth is in your favor and you can enjoy a great body quickly.
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Get Ahead Later
Young moms can compare themselves to peers, and envy their freedom and easier lifestyle. But in twenty years, when all those girlfriends are learning how to be moms for the first time, you’ll be sending your kid off to college and getting a new lease on life.
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Better Relationship with Your Child
If you’re only about twenty years older than your child, it’s easier to relate to them as they get older, and vice versa.
You’ll be more connected to what they’re experiencing because you experienced those same things not so long ago. This is especially relevant for young moms of teenagers!
There are other advantages to being a young parent, but they’re also met with some negative aspects, too. Let’s take a look.
The Not-So-Sparkly Downside of Being a Young Mom
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No Bikini Body
Now, it’s true that young moms can bounce back from their pregnancies quicker than older women.
But your body does change. Usually, the teens and early twenties are a time to flaunt your best assets and play with style. You may not be able to do this depending on your fitness goals and exercise routines after pregnancy.
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Lack of Funds
Young moms do enjoy benefits from both state and federal programs, as mentioned above. But the truth is, you now have two to take care of. And since you probably don’t have your dream job or a well-paying career yet, it’s safe to say that you’re not going to have a lot of money to spend.
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Negative Judgement
New moms usually have to hear a lot of outside opinions and two cents.
As a young mom, it might be even worse. You’re probably going to field lots of negative feedback about what you should have done instead of having a baby. This can be difficult, especially if you want to go back to school or advance your career.
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Inexperience
It’s safe to say that no one really knows how to be a parent until you become one.
But a young mom usually doesn’t have much life experience under her belt, which usually helps with the challenges of motherhood. Immaturity might also create challenges for a young parent, as they adapt to their new lifestyle.
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Feeling Regretful and Isolated
If you never planned on having a child so young, you might regret being a mother. Maybe you wanted to spend those years having more fun and enjoying lots of carefree getaways. Not being able to do so, can make you feel isolated and separated from your former life.
This can be problematic, not only for your mental health but also for the child’s wellbeing.
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Loss of Freedom and Opportunities
A child will definitely open a whole new world of experiences and opportunities, but none that you probably planned on.
Maybe you had dreams of traveling, building a career, pursuing your education, or enjoying more time in your romantic relationship before having children. Now, you have to give priority to childcare, preschools, medical bills and all the other necessities of raising a child.
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Not Your Typical Social Life
Instead of going out late to parties and concerts, you’re probably going to need to stay in. Finding a babysitter can make it hard to be as spontaneous as you used to be. And instead of lazy lie-ins and brunches with friends, your Saturday routine will probably be replaced with playground outings.
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You’re the Authority Figure
Having your own child means that you have to become an authority figure. This means becoming more mature, and fast. You might need to trade in your magazines (at least some of them) for parenting books. It will mean saying no when it would be so much easier to say yes.
Any young mom can do all of this and more. You just have to stand your ground and believe in yourself.
All women, no matter what their age or status, face challenges when becoming mothers. Young girls can enjoy the positive side of motherhood like everyone else. And they can also prepare for any negative aspects to make the most of their parenting experience.
