Hey Mom,
I remember when I first discovered that you were considered a "young mom." I was in elementary school and during recess, we were talking about our parents. My fellow eight-year-olds threw out a few ages: 35, 32, 40. I remember proudly exclaiming, "My mom's 27!" Everyone cocked their heads at me, telling me that I was weird. As I got older, this age difference was more prevalent. Attending parent-teacher conferences, parent meetings and awards ceremonies, you were often a standout. Young, energetic and always yelling, "That's my baby!" In high school, a friend of mine told me her parents were in their 50s, and I almost spit out my drink.
Having a younger mom is an odd experience: People are always surprised to find out that my mother and I are only 18 years apart. They confuse us for sisters first, not believing it's possible for you to have a 20-year-old daughter in college. Seeing your friends from high school having their first child is pretty weird, considering your baby is old enough to have her own baby. Sometimes it seems like older parents think my mom and I are different from their children and them, as if their age gap gives their kids more wisdom to work with, while my mother and I must be immature.
While there are weird parts to having a younger mom, there are so many positives. We've always been close, probably because we're only one generation apart. We can talk about music, movies and pop culture, because we both have similar tastes. You always had the energy to play with me. You'd chase me and play hide and seek until we were both tired. We can relate to each other. While many older parents can be very separated from their children due to the vast differences in their upbringing, we really get each other. We have an honest, open relationship that involves almost daily phone calls and constant vent sessions. We think the same celebrities are attractive, we listen to the same music, and we laugh at the same jokes. Growing up with a mom who was still young at heart has allowed me to become your best friend.
Our society's current view of "teen moms" aren't very positive, especially with shows like "16 and Pregnant" showing the ridiculously dramatic and irresponsible lives of young mothers. These stereotypes and generalizations are extremely incorrect. Growing up with a young mom isn't very different than growing up with a mom that chose to reproduce at 35. I played with Barbies, got put in time out, and wasn't allowed to shove forks into outlets. I had structure, discipline and fun. Now, being 20, a junior in college and living on my own, I think my mom did a pretty great job.
While I know that you had to make many sacrifices when you had me at 18, I am so grateful to have experienced your transition from teenager to adult with you. We learned how to take on the world together. And while you can say that you love your children equally, I know that you have to have a special place in your heart for your tiny best friend. Thank you for letting me grow up with you. Thank you for teaching me to always laugh. Thank you for introducing me to ridiculous '80s music. Thank you for deciding to raise me, despite being young. Thank you for being my mom.
