Becoming pregnant before marriage, especially at a young age, is not necessarily what every couple finds ideal. Also, unprotected sex should not be encouraged if the couple isn't attempting to conceive, or in the right state of mind to do so.

That being said, those who choose to accept their role as a young parent deserve much more credit than what is usually given them.

Being a young parent isn't just something that happens to you, it's a decision you make. People become parents when they choose not to have an abortion or give their child up for adoption. Becoming a young parent means accepting the responsibility, and choosing to make the sacrifices a young parent has to make.

You choose to give up the option to go out whenever you want to and spend money solely on yourself, amongst other things. It's not a decision taken lightly, and with all of this in mind -- why do people shame young mothers so much?

They're often called "irresponsible," meanwhile they're taking on more responsibility than other people their age.

And to be honest, just because you wait until marriage to become a parent doesn't mean you're guaranteed to be a better parent. In fact, there are lots of "of-age" parents who shouldn't be near kids at all, and plenty of young parents who upstage them. The idea that their life will be more difficult sooner than it would have been had they waited isn't anyone else's business. As long as they do the right thing by their child and work hard to provide a happy and healthy life for them, then that's all that matters. My advice to young parents, though? (Should you choose to take it)

Don't give up on fulfilling your dreams.

Creating the best future for your family means providing them with the best version of yourself. If you wanted to go to or finish school, you'll never regret it. If you wanted a successful career and the opportunity to make a good living, you're the only person in your way. Being a parent will make it difficult, but not impossible. Never impossible. A child will always be a blessing, even during the hard times.

Young parents deserve so much more respect, especially if they're truly giving it their all. I'm not saying every young parent is a good one, but just because you became pregnant at a young age doesn't mean you're not meant to fulfill your potential wonderfully.