What inspired you to become a mentor for teen parents?

I became a mentor for teen parents because I was a teen parent and can relate to the mixed emotions, stressors, and pressure that comes with having a child at a young age. I had my daughter when I was in the 12th grade, and it was challenging. There were plenty of times when I just wanted to give up, but God gave me the strength to endure. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges that teen parents face, and how do you help them overcome them?

The biggest challenge that teen parents face is the fear of going through the process alone and finding people that will not judge but be understanding. I help them overcome these challenges by being present and letting them know that they are not alone. I also help them build self-confidence by believing in themselves. I try to help them understand that people are always going to talk whether in a positive or negative way but it’s your response that changes the outcome of the conversation.

What are some of the common misconceptions people have about teen parents, and how do you help dispel them?

Some common misconceptions about teen parents are that they are going to be another statistic draining the system, drop out of school, and they cannot be a good parent because they are young and immature. I help them dispel misconceptions by encouraging them to finish school, helping them apply to colleges, encouraging them to take parent classes, and setting short- and long-term goals. I let them know they can do whatever they set their mind to. The sky is the limit and the only person that is stopping progress is themselves. I also let them know that it is not always going to be easy but staying positive and communicating with others will relieve some of the stress.

What do you wish people knew about teen parents?

I wish people knew the hardship teen parents face daily. I believe if they knew or had an open mind that it would stop them from being so judgmental and be more understanding and encouraging. No one is perfect and everyone needs somebody whether they admit it or not.

What are the key skills or attributes that you think are important for a mentor working with teen parents?

I think a mentor should be a good listener, present, compassionate, loving, respectful, honest, flexible, nonjudgmental, able to communicate effectively, and committed.

How do you help teen parents balance their parenting responsibilities with their academic or career goals?

I help teen parents balance their parenting responsibilities with their academic or career goals by having open and constant communication with them. I let them know some days are going to be better than others, but the key is to stay focused and try not to fall behind in schoolwork because it is hard to catch up, especially being a parent. I let them know about the resources available for them like free childcare while they are going to school.  We also make weekly and monthly goals to stay on track. 

What are some of the common mistakes that teen parents make, and how do you help them learn from them?

Some common mistakes that teen parents make are giving up and settling when life starts throwing obstacles in their direction. I help them learn from these common mistakes by letting them know that life can be overwhelming sometimes, and you need to stop, take a deep breath, and change your thought process. Take a second to think about something that brings your joy and sit with that thought process for a moment.  I always say when life throws you lemons make some good lemonade with them.

What does it look like to walk alongside pregnant and parenting teens? What’s a “day in the life” or what kinds of activities do you do?

It is exciting walking alongside pregnant and parenting teens because they are unpredictable from their cravings to the funny conversations about life. I receive calls at all times of the day/night with questions about the changes in their body, relationship issues, and not being able to sleep. We do activities like making vision board parties, paint nights, eating lunch, and enjoying relaxation at the park, lake, or zoo.  We even do craving challenges that I always lose because it’s hard to stomach things like pizza with eggs and peanut butter.

How do you work with the families of teen parents to ensure they have a supportive environment?

I have teen parents that have a supportive environment and some that do not. For the ones that have a supportive environment, I try to build a relationship with the family by making it my priority to meet with them and letting them know what Parent Life is about and my role.  For teen parents that do not have a supportive environment, Parent Life becomes a part of their support system.

What do you think are the most effective strategies for helping teen parents build their self-esteem and confidence? 

I think the most effective strategy for helping teen parents build their self-esteem and confidence is by practicing self-affirmations and showing them they are loved. I tell teen parents to speak life into themselves by looking in a mirror daily and telling themselves that they are successful, confident, beautiful/handsome, worthy, blessed, strong, unstoppable, brave, courageous, and fearfully and wonderfully made. I also encourage them to stop comparing themselves to other people, even loved ones.  

How do you encourage teen parents to set goals for themselves and their families, and what resources do you provide to help them achieve those goals?

I help teen parents set goals for themselves by making the process entertaining.  We make vision boards for short- and long-term goals.  We put everything in writing or do a video and revisit them biweekly, monthly, and yearly.  If goals are not met, explore them to see why and see if we need to change or delete goals due to life events.

What have been some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had as a mentor for teen parents, and why?

Some rewarding experiences for me were being invited to be a part of events like being at the hospital and experiencing the journey with them, being invited to reveals, ultrasounds visits, baby showers, and family events. I love the relationships you build for life with teen parents because they will always remember you being present, and I have pictures to prove it in their digital family photo albums. I love what I do and would not change it for anything in the world. 

What do you need? How can people help? 

You can help and support by becoming a volunteer, a prayer warrior for our ministry, or support financially by giving to Parent Life. 

If you liked hearing from Natasha, you’ll also love hearing from two local teen moms she works with. Be sure to check out our interviews with Skye and Journey!