Why Being a Young Mum Didn’t Ruin My Life

‘Being a mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you gained from having one’
 
I’ve had my fair share of comments these last few years. “you have a child?” “OMG, is he yours? but… you are so young?” even friends would say things like “I want to do things in the right order you know like… graduate, then get married and then maybe start to think about children”.
 
I would be lying if I started rambling on about how easy parenting is; how well-behaved my little boy is at all times and how perfect our life is. Yes, I do change a large amount of nappies, yes I do spend some time pretending to be the hulk for my sons entertainment and yes, I have once had to say “yes son, you are right that is mummies boobies” in a lift full of people. But you know what, I wouldn’t change a single high or low moment of parenthood for the world. I have made many mistakes already these last few years but all honest parents, whatever their age will admit they have made many mistakes, more than they care to admit.
 
Once my father said to me;
 
“we always did for you what we thought was best at the time, whether or not that was the best thing, who knows. But you children can learn from our mistakes, and again you will make your own mistakes that your children will then learn from and so on… that’s life”
 
And he couldn’t be more right, whether I was a 15 or 35 year old mother. I would still make mistakes and that’s just life. 
 
There is a big misconception that all young parents have made a careless mistake and have thrown their life away.
 
Let me just get one thing straight. Being a young mother is not a ‘careless mistake’. I would’t be where I am today without my son, cliche I know but very true. My outlook on life is very different to what it used to be. With everything our little family has faced, we have come out stronger than ever. I’ve learnt many things about my self, some things that I love and somethings I dislike. Falling pregnant at 19 did not mean my life was over. My life had only just began, I just didn’t realise it yet. 
 
Yes being a young mother is a huge responsibility and an on-going challenge but so is being a parent in general. But it’s given me a purpose and a belonging. A purpose to be a mother. A belonging to someone who loves me dearly. And most importantly, it is a challenge that I will never regret entering.
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70 thoughts on “Why Being a Young Mum Didn’t Ruin My Life”

  4. What a beautiful post. Well done to you!! Just goes to show you can always achieve your dreams as long as your willing to work for it! Xx

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  5. Congratulations love, I loved this post so much. This has me looking forward to going back to school in the next year. I can’t wait to receive my B.A. 3 semesters to go and I’m already excited even though it’s so far!

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  6. Pingback: Being A Young Mum Didn’t Ruin My Life – The Militant Negro™

  8. “young mums are just as capable as anyone” it is true indeed. I was pregnant at 24, though my few friends were still working or studying but I gave up job just to have family and now I would say at young age I can take care of my baby with so much determination!

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  9. Yours is a very inspiring story, Sophie! Especially for people who feel that women, with children, are better off taking care of them at home than working or studying! I am sure so many young woman will have so much to learn from your story!
    Bravo to you! Best wishes for your future! 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for this lovely comment!! I really hope so, i want women to feel like they can achieve what ever they want in life. Having a baby doesn’t stop you, if anything they are a reason to work hard X

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  12. Congratulations on your degree! Going to college while being a Mommy is not one bit easy. I graduated with my associates degree when my son was 10 months old…I was 24 when he was born. Your determination is inspiring 🙂

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  14. Wow! Just think if had done it sooner you wouldn’t have been able to share the graduation memory with you son and husband. I’m so excited and proud of you and I don’t even know you 😀 Your son is adorable! Is he always so joyful? He most likely is. 😀 Thank you for following my blog and for sharing your life with all of us.
    ~Dulcinea

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    1. That’s exactly how I look at it. I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to share my special day with my little family. Aw, thank you so much. Yes, he is always joyful, his smile is everything. Thank you for your comment and following back, can’t wait to read your blogs. X

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  15. Congratulations!! I can relate to your story! I had my first my freshman year of college. I have yet to finish, but you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing. 👏🏽

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  16. Good for you for making it all work! I also had both my children while in school. I was 2 years into my Ph.D program when I found out I was pregnant with our daughter. Then brilliantly chose to have our second before defending my thesis. I have a toddler and a baby with me in my graduation photos. I also had a husband who was incredible supportive and would not have been able to finish my program without his help (or conceive the daughter and son :), hehe). A number of people told me to just take the master’s degree and quit because it was so tough. I don’t quite even when I should. I am happy today and all the work paid off. It will for you too!

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  20. I’m a bit late to reading this, but I’m so glad I have finally found something SO relatable! I had my little girl in the summer last year at just 18. I’ve just received my offer to study Early Childhood to (like you) become a primary teacher. It’s amazing to be shown that it is achievable, and that I can 100% graduate if I put my mind to it. Thank you for reassuring me! You should be so proud of what you’ve achieved from having your baby to graduation itself!! X

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  21. Being a parent is a challenge at any age and everything has its pros and cons. But, the miracle of nurturing a young life is so worth it!

    I think age matters less than commitment, and it looks like you’re doing a great job with your son!

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  24. It’s very admirable that you have this approach to motherhood, especially being so young. And also, a supporting family that is there for you no matter what.

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    1. Wow, 3 thats amazing. Being a child of 4, I too would love loads of children if I can! So much company for each child. And I am so close to all my siblings now- it’s great. Never a dull moment in the family X

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  26. I had my first baby when I was 18 and this helps me to be more motivated in life. I graduated from College and find a decent job. And it is all because of my baby who is my inspiration.

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  28. You are so inspiring! I bet you will do great as a mom, do what you have to do and be a good role model to every young mamas out there.

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  31. Oh, dear, loved reading your story and your dad gave you advice of a lifetime. Don’t let the world tell you what order your life should align; life happens. You have the greatest gift that many long for, cherish it and live your life as it manifests. You have a lifetime ahead of your to achieve whatever you want.

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    1. Thank you for reading! What a lovely comment. That’s it- things happen for a reason. And I couldn’t be happier. And your right I have the most precious gift and that’s my little boy- happy and healthy. X

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  32. I know many mothers who had their children young, even though I had my first at almost thirty. From what they’ve told me, it wasn’t so bad having their children young because they were able to grown up with them and learn as their children grew. I can definitely see how that could be somewhat advantageous.

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