Getting pregnant when you’re a teenager or in your early 20s has always been looked down upon. It has such a bad stigma attached to it, and everyone seems to have an opinion about it, and until recently, I was one of those people. When I used to look at young moms, I would unconsciously judge them. I, for some reason, thought I knew best and would make comments when I really knew nothing about them. I’m 20 years old with no kids and with no plans to have kids anytime soon, but I’m going to tell you why I respect young moms and you should, too.
1. They give up a lot.
All moms give up a lot, but when you’re young is when I believe you give up the most. While we’re headed to class, they are making bottles, while we’re going to happy hour, they are giving baths and while were headed home from the bar at 2 am, they are being woken up by their crying child wanting fed. On top of not getting to do all the things I don’t think twice about, they have to sit back and watch all their friends do them, too. Some young moms give up things like a college degree or landing their dream job, but in the end, I’m sure they wouldn't want it any other way.
2. They are strong.
I truly cannot imagine being a mother already. All the glares and gossip that come along with it is something I don’t know if I could handle. Most young moms didn't plan this for themselves so young, but instead of supporting them, all society does is bring them down. Put yourself in their shoes and just think if you could handle everything they are going through. Most people don't think about how hard it is to give up so much. Their world got flipped upside down, and I think they deserve some respect.
3. Everything happens for a reason.
Whether someone got pregnant when they were 20 or 30 years old, I truly believe it happened for a reason. That child will change that person’s life and probably for the better. My mom always told me being a mom was the hardest, but most rewarding job in the world. As an outsider, you don’t know what someone has gone through, and although most people see all the negatives of being a young mom, I believe there are far more positives. We’re so quick to ask why they didn't use any form of birth control when we should be asking if them and their child are healthy.
There shouldn't be any negativity with having a baby, no matter how old the person is. Instead of judging, we need to be more sympathetic and compassionate because we truly don't know what they are going through. I know it must be hard, and society doesn't need to make it any harder.
