Young mothers - what is "young"??

Question

I'm 20 and 12 weeks pregnant. A lot of people consider me a young mother, and sadly there is the assumption I lack stability and the finances to care for my child. Which is funny because I'm more financially stable than many people in their 40's. 
 
My age isn't a reflection of who I am, and I hate the phrase "young mother" as it groups women together which unflattering connotations.

I understand that statistically most young mothers struggle a little more, but I'm getting pissed off when people make a snap judgement and then get OFFENDED when I explain how stable I am - as if I'm trying to gloat. 
 
Anyone else experience this? Do you judge young mothers? What even is a young mother to most?

Answer

I was 17 pregnant, was 18 when she was born. I feel I was young, because I still had a lot of living to do. But I gave it all up, & focused on being the best mother that I could.

If you're willing to put your normal life on hold, outside of your education & employment - then you aren't too young.

Now don't get me wrong, I would not approve of my daughters or my son to have a child any younger then I was. Nor near my age, because it isn't easy whatsoever.

Answer

I don't judge young mothers. Everyone has kids whenever they want.

The only thing I think about is ....why? So much to do before having a child. But everyone does w.e is right for them.

Answer

I mean if you're financially stable, don't let other people get to you about your age. But I'm pretty sure people assume you're gloating because of the numerous posts, basically letting everyone know how rich you are (or husband)

Answer

Sadly, I do often judge in my head because I make the (sometimes false and not very kind) assumption that they aren't mature enough to know better (why I would 'know better' is an open question) or prepared to care for a child financially or emotionally (based somewhat on fact, but clearly not always true). That line of thinking means I'm judging people like my mother, who did a great job with all three of us while sacrificing a great deal so we could have a good childhood.

That said, I think you should at least be a legal adult.

Answer

Oh man, I feel you. A young mother to me is someone who isn't mentally or financially prepared for a child. You could be a young (read; unprepared) mother and almost in your forties. I know women who just aren't ready to have kids but they do because it's what society expects from them. As long as you can give your child a wonderful life, there shouldn't be the stigma and the cruel words. It sickens me how often people put each other down. Congrats on your baby by the way, you sound like a mature and lovely person. You'll be a great mum! 😘😄

Answer

My perception of a young mom is skewed by my personal experiences. I got pregnant at 15, had her at 16, so I don't consider anyone 20+ to be a young mom. Shit, now I feel "old" ttc at almost 25.

Answer

I am young(22) and yes, I am a mother...but I don't see anything wrong with it.
My fiancé is 25, and we are stable with our own house, finances, etc.

Perhaps it's because I'm part of the demographic, but I don't view young mothers negatively.

I would say 20-23 is a young mom...under that is a teen mom.

Answer

I would say from ages 20-25 are young moms anything younger I consider a teen mom

Answer

I would say anyone under the age of 25 is a "young mother". However, that's not a bad thing. My parents got married at 22 and my older sister was born 10-11 months later. My best friend's parents were 18 and 21 when they got married and her mom had her older brother when she was 20. They all were young to get married and young to have kids. The key point was that they were financially stable and in committed relationships. My mom had a career job and my best friend's dad was in the Navy.

Answer

For me, under 25 is young. You can say you have stability and maturity, I wont think care, even if I dont believe you. We always think we are better than we really are. But I still think you are young and I do think that most people should wait to have kids. But thats me and you should always do you!

Young mothers - what is "young"??

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey