The Realities and Resilience of Young Mums
Motherhood is a life-changing experience and for young mothers, the journey can often be more challenging due to the negative stereotypes placed upon them in the media. A significant example of this is TV shows such as “Teen Mom” which portrays young mothers to be less prepared and incapable of solo parenting.
Meet Taylor McLaughlin, a 22-year-old single mum to be. In this Q+A, Taylor delves into her thoughts and feelings on embracing motherhood in the 21st century, navigating the journey without a partner by her side.
Q&A
Do you feel there is a stigma around being a young mum?
“I think before the 21st century it was quite common to have a child at a younger age, and women over 25 were often seen as older mums. Whereas now, being a young mum makes people question your capability compared to mums who are older.”
What emotions are you currently experiencing as you prepare to become a single mother?
“I don’t know anyone who has chosen to have a baby without being in a relationship, so I don’t have many people to talk to who can truly relate. It’s incredibly daunting to think about having sole responsibility for a child without another parent at home to help. However, I’ve grown up quickly—I moved out at 18, started working full-time after school, and now at 22, I feel more prepared than I might have been otherwise.”
What are your biggest fears as you prepare for motherhood?
“I don’t think any mother ever feels 100% ready for motherhood—there are always fears. But I do believe being a mum is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I’m so excited to become the best version of myself as a mum. My biggest fear, though, is money. Since I won’t be able to work after the baby is born and don’t have anyone to share the financial responsibility.”
Are there any resources or communities you have turned to for advice?
“I’ve been lucky enough to be able to rely on my friends who are mothers, they have been incredibly supportive throughout my pregnancy. While I haven’t joined any communities or used specific resources, knowing there is always guidance and advice available is comforting.”
How do you envision balancing motherhood with your personal aspirations?
“Ever since I was a young girl, my dream has always been to be a mother. While I never imagined I would be doing it alone as it doesn’t exactly fit the fairy-tale image, I believe I was meant for this journey. Everything else in life feels like a bonus. Not everyone has the dream to be rich, have a great career, or a big house, mine was to simply just be a mother.”
If you are a young mum facing financial or childcare challenges, government support is available. There are programs designed to help with essentials like housing, healthcare, and childcare, providing stability and comfort.
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