Introduce yourself. Who are you? What’s your story?

My name is Skye*, I’m 17 and I have an almost 3-month-old son. I’m going through college, Nursing. I met my boyfriend in middle school, 6th grade. We started dating in the summer of 7th grade and have been together almost 4 years in August. 

 

What’s the best part of being a mom? 

Life has so much more meaning and purpose. In every developmental aspect, you are able to watch your child grow into a new person literally every single day. From the day they are born to forever. Every part of my son’s life is brand new, we’re learning new things together. My life before motherhood wasn’t the best but also I had so much more free time. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s like seeing everything in black and white, suddenly your life is filled with color.

 

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a teen mom, and how have you dealt with them?

Through social aspects, I don’t think I have experienced anything negative. Although during my pregnancy I was told several times to get an abortion by many people. I cried, all I could do was cry because I wasn’t going to benefit others by doing what they wanted me to do. Being a mom was something I have always wanted to do, to nurture and raise a little human. Now after I had my son I think one of the biggest challenges is just the gigantic shift in your life, you get no sleep, you have someone to take care of 24/7, etc. 

 

What support systems have you had throughout your journey as a teen mom, and how have they helped you?

Obviously, Parent Life has been such a blessing and truly one of the biggest support systems I’ve had during pregnancy. My mom and my boyfriend have been huge in being supportive. They’ve been helpful by emotionally and physically being there not just for my baby’s needs but overall mine and I appreciate that so much. All of the supports I have I am so beyond thankful for each and every one. 

 

How has being a teen mom affected your relationships with your family and friends?

My relationships with family and friends haven’t changed in a negative way. I think it honestly has got better. I’ve bonded with more people than I ever have before. I haven’t met my boyfriend’s extended side of the family until I got pregnant.

 

How have you managed to balance your responsibilities as a mother and your academic or career goals?

You always find a way to manage, no matter what it is. I have managed academically by doing things while he sleeps, during the night, and even while he’s awake. Sometimes I’ll ask my mom to watch him for a bit, or my boyfriend. Which helps tremendously. It’s hard but absolutely worth it. I’m creating not only a future for myself but my family.

 

What advice would you give to other teens who find themselves in a similar situation?

Take it day by day and if you can’t do that hour by hour or minute by minute. It’s very hard, but you learn to manage and you learn to cope. Everything’s new, nobody is ever “ready” for a baby. No matter how much experience one has had, there are always new things that happen, every single day. Try not to take every negative thing to heart. You know what’s best for you and your baby. 

 

What has been the most rewarding experience of being a teen mom?

The unconditional love. Knowing that you have one of the hardest jobs in the planet. The bond your baby has with you is their first, it’s so special. Every simple thing brings me joy in being a mom. From his laughs and smiles, funny faces, and overall everything he does. On the hard days, I remind myself that it won’t be like this forever so I soak up all the moments I can with him because one day he’s not gonna want me to hug him so tight he can’t breathe, hold him while he cries, or sleep in bed with me. 

 

How has being a teen mom changed your perspective on life and the world around you?

Being a mom overall has changed my perspective on life knowing that I have a huge purpose and I have someone that I have to live for. My son can’t not have a mother, every day I choose to be here because of him. Before I was pregnant there wasn’t much I could think of to live for. My son was given to me for a reason. I was meant to be here to be a mother. 

 

How has society’s perception of teen moms affected you and your child?

I never cared for others’ opinions on teen moms. We are all moms, no matter your age. 

 

What are your hopes and dreams for your child, and how do you plan on achieving them?

I hope that my son has a better life than I have. I pray that he feels loved, cared for, and knows his worth. I hope he knows that he can cry, that he doesn’t have to mask an emotion. For all of the children I have, I hope they all know that. No matter what is happening in my bubble I want my son to be happy. I would do anything for him. I would go out of my way to make sure that he knows that his mother loves him like nobody else does. I have been there, I want him to succeed and I will do everything I can to make sure that he can become whoever he wants. For every child I have, no matter the race, disability, gender, or sexual orientation I will love them for who they are and choose to be. That’s my promise.

 

What’s something you wish people knew about teen parents?

We all struggle the same. No matter what age you become a mother we are all moms, it doesn’t make you any less of one. Having a child young doesn’t mean your life is over. 

 

 

*Names and images are changed to protect the privacy of minors.