The Reality of Being a Young Mom
DISCLAIMER:
If you follow me on absolutely any social media platform, please know that I share mostly highlights of my life to encourage other moms. Being a mother has been on my heart since I was able to speak.
I do not recommend intentionally conceiving to be a young mom.
Parenting is hard work, and I hope this blog post is a really eye opening read.
I respect all young moms for choosing life, and know my hand is reaching out to anyone who needs to chat or have support.
Struggling with judgment + comments
Don’t worry mama. I see the judgemental looks, the rude comments that could go unsaid, and having to prove your value in every given moment. This includes not only strangers, but family and friends. I see you.
I know exactly how it feels to be questioned by absolutely everyone, including yourself, if you can do this. I know every mother I have chatted with has felt this one way, one time or another.
“Can I really do this? Can I be a good enough mom?”
I know the eyes and harsh words don’t make self doubt any more helpful.
As difficult as it is, it is the most rewarding job I have ever had
Being a parent young has meant discovering who I am, while figuring out how to raise them to be good human beings. We have endured so many growing pains as young parents. We wouldn’t change it for the world, because we know our growth has served our kiddos in various different avenues.
No one could have prepared me with how much dedication, hard work, motivation, and self- discipline it has taken to be a parent to multiple children while being young.
I have had the blessing to work from home on extremely part time hours and raise my kids.
We had wanted to try our absolute hardest to have me stay at home and raise our babies! I understand it isn’t the choice for everyone, or the opportunity, but it financially made the most sense. We really wanted one parent to be present 99% of the time in their lives.
There is an overwhelming amount of joy
I remember specifically 3 weeks before I turned 20, Maverick and I were sitting at our favourite frozen yogurt shop. He had his own little bowl with the tiniest amount of frozen yogurt, but heaping with fresh berries and a couple chocolate chips.
I was due in less than 2 weeks, and was feeling nervous to be a mom to 2 kids, 13 months apart.
I remember how happy Maverick was to spend time with his mama, and enjoy eating his berries. He was belly giggling over the silliest things that day.
Although it is such a simple memory, my brain is full of an overwhelming amount of joy from memories like this.
Young With Your Kids
I know everyone says that being young with your kids means you have equal amount of energy, you get to grow and learn with them, and you can better relate to them! Being young with them meant we also get to spend more time with them, God willing.
I have experienced exactly that! On the bad teething days, I am thankful I recover from sleep deprivation so quickly; we have tons of energy for walks; and we click super easy as well!
Energy
As mentioned above, I have found that I am able to recover from lack of sleep, any sicknesses, and rough mental health days quicker than if I were 10 or more years older.I have talked to so many women who have been mothers to all sorts of motherhood stages, and 99% of them agree that being a young mom was the most energetically wise point to have children.
Money Struggle
While, yes, we are able to have gas in our tank, rent always paid on time, utilities paid, groceries in the fridge and pantry, and clothes on our back, it was never always that easy!
We have put $100 in our gas tank, and $5.
We have boughten $1000 worth of groceries for the week, and we have also made $30 last an entire week.
We have gone on an amazing alone trip to Banff when I got a large bonus work cheque, and we have also considered going for a walk alone with coffee a luxurious date.
We made sure all of our needs were met, and made the most with what we had!
No one is better than anyone else. Financial strain is difficult, but you will overcome this hurdle, and you are no less of a person because of it.
We hands down have never let our kids go without anything- food, diapers, wipes, clothes, opportunities, etc.
However, we have gone without many different luxuries. I have gotten my hair professionally done maybe 4 times since becoming a mom over 6 years ago. Only this last year I got fake nails a few times. My clothes come all from thrift shops, consignment stores, or the 60%+ off rack. (But hello, deep digging and I once found 2 Lulu shirts for $2.)
Yes, we are happy as can be in our stage of life, but money can be difficult! Regardless if you are a young mother, or experiencing hardship from inflation.
Being young and trying to make every aspect of life work is not a walk in the park
We are so thankful for our support system.
Parenthood is Personal Growth Amplified
When you are becoming a parent, I truly believe in the importance of being the best version of you possible. I know it is hard in multiple different areas to be the best version of you, but it is worth the effort.
I think it is an absolute blessing for your child to try. Even if it isn’t perfect, you are able to display to your child that you are putting in massive efforts to give them the best foot forward possible!
I spend so much time listening to my favourite mama podcast, reading personal development books, practicing mindfulness + awareness, and journaling every single day.
So, there is no secret… but my tips:
breathe + pray
take each moment by moment, day by day
reach out for love and support
know that there is no such thing as a graceful transition to motherhood\
give yourself G R A C E
everything will be okay!
I would love to hear how you loved this resource! PLEASE share, comment, and let me know if this was helpful! I hope that this was able to help you in some way, shape, or form since I know everyone is on a budget! I encourage you to check out ways to work with me here, or go binge on my podcast.
