The last 6 months have been incredible! I’ve learned so many things about myself, and other people my age who are parents. I feel like I can say in confidence that age doesn’t make you a good parent, but love for your child does. When I started this adventure, of being a young parent ambassador, I was nervous about talking to people. I didn’t think my experience would make a difference and that no one would listen to what I had to say. It’s a taboo to have a child young, so all I could think was who is going to actually care about what I have to say.
I’ve come to realize that I am a stronger person than I give myself credit for. Before having my lovely daughter, I would just go to school and live a regular teenage life. I never really felt challenged and when I did it never felt really important. I didn’t know if I had the strength of character to deal with any “real” issues. Now I feel like I’m dealing with them every day, and each experience leaves me a little stronger and wiser.
I’ve also learned that other young parents feel the same way I do. It can be scary taking care of a baby! They rely on you for everything, and you love them so much that try you’re hardest. I feel like many young parents, also are stronger than they think. I know the media gives young parents a bad rep, and TV shows like “16 and Pregnant” do very little to offer what a real teenage mother has to go through daily. I feel like without real examples of what you parents have to deal with we don’t know really have an idea what we are capable of dealing with. I think we Young Ambassadors are possibly thing to a positive image for young parents. We are just like everyone else, and if we can do it, we can help others feel confident enough to do it too. Every day presents new challenges and I still struggle sometimes, but overall I am happy I have a community I can rely on. That’s what gets me through the tough times.
Stronger Generations Initiative 