Becoming a mom at a young age can bring unique challenges but also big rewards. Whether you’re a young mom yourself or someone seeking to understand and support a young mother, here you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration.
Today, as more women wait until their 30s or older to start having children, if you’re a young mom, you might feel you’re swimming against the current. But don’t let society’s preconceived notions and stereotypes hinder you from rising above the judgments, proving that age is not a barrier to being an incredible parent.
Sure, entering motherhood early means taking on increased responsibilities of caring for your child while you’re still on the path of your own self-discovery and growth. But it also means learning and growing alongside your little one, unlocking new strengths and capabilities within yourself that you never knew existed. It’s about finding a newfound purpose and watching yourself transform into the superhero mom you never thought you could be.
So embrace the messiness, the ups and downs and the amazing moments that make it all worthwhile. Here are top tips for young moms to empower you as you embark on the beautiful journey of motherhood.
Nurture your wellbeing
As a young mom, it’s essential to focus on your wellbeing in order to navigate the demands of early motherhood. Take care of yourself by focusing on your physical, mental and emotional health. Start healthy habits, such as exercise, nutritious meals and quality sleep to maintain the energy needed to tackle the daily challenges. Prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and help you recharge, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, reading a book or spending time with friends. Remember that your wellbeing matters. And by taking good care of yourself both during pregnancy and afterward, you’re better equipped to care for your little one.
Don’t give up on your dreams
Don’t let motherhood hold you back from pursuing what sets your soul on fire. Continue working towards your goals and chasing your passions, because when you do, you show your child the value of following their dreams. So, don’t put your dreams on hold. Keep moving forward, get inspired by some of the most influential women in history and show your little one that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Trust your instincts
Even if you read millions of parenting books and follow guidance from the world’s top parenting gurus, there’ll be times when you doubt yourself as a parent and the decisions you make. And that’s normal. There are no perfect parents.
What’s most important is that you’ll always be the best parent for your child — with all your doubts and imperfections. Have confidence in your natural instincts as a mother. No one knows your child better than you do. Trust your intuition and rely on your own judgment when it comes to making decisions about your little one’s happiness and health. You have an innate understanding of what is best for them.
“As a young mother in my early 20s, I read every parenting book I could get my hands on, in the hopes of finding a parents’ manual with instructions for raising my children. Yet what worked for one child didn’t always work for others. My best advice to young moms is to try to understand each child’s unique personality when you set expectations and consequences.”
— Sarita Harbour, Thrive at Home
Build a support system
While it might sound cliche, it does take a village to raise a child. You don’t need to prove to anyone that you can do it all on your own. This will only bring to exhaustion and isolation. Even if it feels like your mother-in-law is the last person you’d rather ask help from, if she can look after your baby while you have a little nap and recharge after a sleepless night, it’s worth letting her be the support system you need. Whether it’s watching the baby while you take a shower, cooking a meal or cleaning the house, lean on your family, friends and fellow young moms for help, especially in the challenging first months after birth.
“Do not feel guilty for accepting help. You will be a supermom and still be awesome, but you will be a bit more peaceful and rested. If someone comes over and offers to help, let them fold your laundry, wash your dishes, take out the trash or clean your toilets. Most moms remember what it was like and genuinely want to help when they offer. Don’t just let them hold the baby while you clean.”
— Gena, Ginger Casa
Enjoy the ride
Nothing is more fulfilling and rewarding than being a mother. Savor every little milestone, contagious giggle and warm cuddle. Have more family bonding moments. Embrace the pure joy and boundless love that will fill your days the moment you see your little bundle of joy. As you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, remember to pause, breathe and fully immerse yourself in the incredible experience of watching your child grow and flourish. The journey is extraordinary, and it’s yours to enjoy every step of the way.
“The days are long but the years are short, so enjoy every moment of it. Don’t worry about trying to do it all, just love your baby and take it one day at a time. You’ll never be one hundred percent ready or completely prepared, so don’t wait to dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Motherhood is a dynamic growing process, best started as soon as possible and with an open heart.”
— Jessica Haggard, Easy Homemade Life
One last thing
As a young mom, you have the youthful enthusiasm, resilience and determination to break all societal stereotypes around the best age to have a baby. Remember that you are capable, deserving and worthy of experiencing the beauty and fulfillment of motherhood, no matter your age. Each day is an opportunity to create lasting memories, foster love and connection and shape the future of your child. Cherish the precious moments and celebrate the amazing mom that you are.
Tamara is a blogger at Thriving In Parenting, where she shares simple tips for a more organized and aesthetically pleasing home, self-care for moms and all things P A R E N T I N G.