Young mothers

I had my first baby when I was 17 and my second when I was 19, they are only 16 months apart. No, it definately wasn't easy, and back then, we didn't have all the neat gadgets you have for babies today, we didn't even have elastic in diapers. LOL My son is now 25, my daughter is 24, and I am a 'young grandma' at 43. No, it's not easy, but they are so worth it, and now those two are grown, my youngest is nearly grown at 17 and now it's MY turn to do what I want and pursue activities that I enjoy. Besides, it's great that I can play with the grandchildren! Someday, as hard as it is now, you will look back and think, 'Where did the time go?'

My husband had his daughter Morgan when he was 17. We have full custody of her. Our daughter was born when we were 19. We are now expecting a 3rd daughter this August. We also have custody of my 15 year old sister and 25 month old nephew. We'll be 22 this fall. It's hectic. I didn't see myself here when I was laying out my life plans, thats for sure, but I love my house hold and my family. We make enough money to live comfortably, so I guess in the end, everything is okay.

Great with your discussion and i appreciate your braveness in taking such a difficult and hard step i your life but i have nothing to cote except wishing you good luck and all the happiness may touch your kids feet,well take a good care of your kids,all the best for your future.

I had my THIRD child a week after my 21st birthday (and 3 days before my then husband's 21st). We were 18 when we got married and divorced less than a year after that 3rd baby was born. I think the hardest part for me was that no one else had confidence in my ability as a mother (something I still face at almost 28 with 3 more children). Since "everyone" was out to point out my each and every mistake very few even noticed any of the positive things I did. It was brutal to my self-esteem. The second hardest part was the fact that we weren't ready/mature enough to handle the responsibilities of a marriage. I think most people will agree that it is harder to be good parents when your marriage/relationship is constantly on the rocks. If you ever have anything specific you want to talk about, feel free to ask me. I'm much better answering questions than thinking of important things to say :)

hi wateva. you are experienced mom and your daughter is an amature. you also burnt your boat to go back to your husband. So it is your duty to take care of your son as well as your young pregnant daughter. Be healty,wealthy and nice for your kids.

I'm not a young mother, I'm now 31 years old, and I had my kids when I was 24 & 27. I have been with my husband since I was 15 years old, and I'm really not sure our relationship would be what it is today, had we had children while we were still in our teens. We spent a lot of years doing things together, like travelling, partying, entertaining, etc. It helped us grow as people, and as a couple. We still do all those things now that we have children, but it is different. It's still wonderful, but it's different. I know how difficult is can be to be a mother at any age, I'm quite certain I would not have coped very well as a teen mother, especially as my children both had many health problems as babies (my eldest has a congenital heart defect and spent the first 3 months of his life in hospital, and my youngest developed juvenille rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 16 months). I think you deserve a medal, to have dealt with motherhood, and the abuse you suffered, and have seemingly come out the other side of it happy, and appreciate of your children. :) I live in a small town, with a lot of young single mothers. Most are great with their kids, but so many of them (and I'm only commenting on people I know personally) didn't fully understand the responsibility involved in having a child, and sadly, thee children do not receive the love and care they deserve. Children are a gift, a privelage. Clearly you agree. Congratulations on changing your life, moving on from the abuse, and most of all, congratulations on being a Mum :) I wish you all the best with your prenancy, and your life :)