Teenage Parenting

Statistics show that one in three teens get pregnant once before the age of 20. Out of ten of these pregnancies eight are unplanned. Many children and parenting magazines often discuss the troubles of parenting but these issues are usually associated with married couples and often women that have prepared themselves for parenthoo No matter how much you try to prepare yourselves, you are never ready for the life changing experience of parenting; unfortunately pregnancy is not always in your control even with using contraceptives they are still not a hundred percent accurate. Often times the unexpected happens and you are not the only person that you hsve to think in making the decision to have a child.

Teenage pregnancy and motherhood is considered a rising problem and is considered a disadvantage for these teenagers and making this decision crosses out the hopes of a normal life. Young mothers are said to suffer from poverty, behavioral problems and emotional problems due to the stress of parenting and providing a life for yourself. Without the strength and support that is needed if you are single and young, having a child can be very hard.

As a young mother, I was determined to make a life for myslef and my son. Through the put downs and insults of others I focused on what I thought was the best decision at the time, having my child. At the age of 19 and a sophomore in college I had an unexpected pregnancy and if I would have listened to others I might have dropped out of school and put my life on hold to raise my child. As a writer I want to be an advocate for young mothers by writing about my struggles and my achievements of success with a child at a young age. I do not want to promote teen pregnancy, but make young mothers understand that you do not have to become a statistic or what others may expect of you because of your decisions. As a mother you can still become very successful and fulfill all of your dreams and goals. In the process you will become a stronger person. Throughout my pregnancy I continued my courses and after my son’s birth I did not take any semester off of school because of my son. Although I did not drop out of school or take any time off, it was not always easy to pass my courses and do my studies. There were many times that I was not able to go to class due to my son being sick. When children are young they need extra attention during these times. In my third year of class I could not manage work and school. I quit my job to spend more time raising my son and to focus on my education. Sacraficing my job meant that I did not always have available finances to take my son to child care daily. It took extra work to complete my courses and without the support of some professors this would not have been possible!

My parents, though not pleased with my decision at the time, supported me and my son. They provided with expenses needed to take care of my son. This support was only given to me due to my decision to futher my education and not let anything hold me back. Now that it is all said and done it seems easy but without the encouragement of others I do not know if I would have been able to make it to where I am today.