7-9 Teen Mom Stereotypes
Stereotype: “a set of inaccurate, simplistic generalizations about a group that allows others to categorize them and treat them accordingly”
This is Part 3 of my list of 9 Teen Mom Stereotypes. You can read 1-3 here, and 4-6 here.
This is Part 3 of my list of 9 Teen Mom Stereotypes. You can read 1-3 here, and 4-6 here.
Teen Mom's Families Disown Them
It was during pregnancy that my family and I grew closer. I began to respect my mom more, and looked up to her as a role model. I started spending time with my family, and they quickly became my support system.
My mom was thrilled to help me with Sidney. My dad was proud to be a grandfather. They all believed in me, and that I could still succeed.
Same goes for my friends who were teen moms.
I’m not saying there aren’t teen moms who have been disowned, because there are probably a lot. I just don’t know any, personally.
Teen moms are too immature and inexperienced to properly raise a child
Okay, okay, so maybe I was immature and inexperienced when I got pregnant but by the time Sidney was born I was a whole new person.
I never thought I could become the person that I did. I never knew I had that in me. I went through my high school days thinking I was insignificant, stupid and worthless. Sidney gave me a reason for living, a reason to succeed and motivated me to become a better person.
I’ve noticed this in a lot of my friends. After they found out they were pregnant they changed their entire lives around. If they weren’t already responsible and experienced they quickly became those things.
Teen moms on welfare are lazy
I had to go on welfare once. It really sucked because the amount of money they give you is barely anything. You can’t even afford an apartment unless it’s a grungy bachelor apartment, or you’re lucky enough to stay with family or friends. I was fortunate enough to move back in with my parents and pay them rent, otherwise I don’t know what I would have done!
Teen moms on welfare are more motivated, because who wants to live off $900 a month when the average two bedroom apartment costs $850? Unless you’re fortunate enough to get a subsidized apartment or townhouse (which is a two year waiting list, on average), you’re screwed.
However, welfare helps young mothers graduate high school, puts them in work training programs and gives them resources to become successful. They also point you in the direction to get any other type of assistance you need whether it’s diapers, baby clothes, Christmas gifts, or food. It's a good option when you don't have any others, and most of the young mothers I know who have been, or are on welfare have taken advantage of these programs and were able to find better employment.
Yes, I’m sure some young mothers cheat the system (in fact I know some do), but so do a lot of other people.
Teen moms are just like any other person in society. Some are good, some are bad. Some will graduate high school, some won’t. Some will continue to post-secondary, others won’t. Some will become rich, others will remain in poverty. Some will stay with their baby’s daddy, others will split up. You can say the same things about any type of person, no matter what their situation is or their age.
And to be perfectly honest, before I became a teen mom myself I had a lot of misinterpreted assumptions of them, too.
What’s your opinion on teen moms?
Thanks,
It was during pregnancy that my family and I grew closer. I began to respect my mom more, and looked up to her as a role model. I started spending time with my family, and they quickly became my support system.
My mom was thrilled to help me with Sidney. My dad was proud to be a grandfather. They all believed in me, and that I could still succeed.
Same goes for my friends who were teen moms.
I’m not saying there aren’t teen moms who have been disowned, because there are probably a lot. I just don’t know any, personally.
Teen moms are too immature and inexperienced to properly raise a child
Okay, okay, so maybe I was immature and inexperienced when I got pregnant but by the time Sidney was born I was a whole new person.
I never thought I could become the person that I did. I never knew I had that in me. I went through my high school days thinking I was insignificant, stupid and worthless. Sidney gave me a reason for living, a reason to succeed and motivated me to become a better person.
I’ve noticed this in a lot of my friends. After they found out they were pregnant they changed their entire lives around. If they weren’t already responsible and experienced they quickly became those things.
Teen moms on welfare are lazy
I had to go on welfare once. It really sucked because the amount of money they give you is barely anything. You can’t even afford an apartment unless it’s a grungy bachelor apartment, or you’re lucky enough to stay with family or friends. I was fortunate enough to move back in with my parents and pay them rent, otherwise I don’t know what I would have done!
Teen moms on welfare are more motivated, because who wants to live off $900 a month when the average two bedroom apartment costs $850? Unless you’re fortunate enough to get a subsidized apartment or townhouse (which is a two year waiting list, on average), you’re screwed.
However, welfare helps young mothers graduate high school, puts them in work training programs and gives them resources to become successful. They also point you in the direction to get any other type of assistance you need whether it’s diapers, baby clothes, Christmas gifts, or food. It's a good option when you don't have any others, and most of the young mothers I know who have been, or are on welfare have taken advantage of these programs and were able to find better employment.
Yes, I’m sure some young mothers cheat the system (in fact I know some do), but so do a lot of other people.
Teen moms are just like any other person in society. Some are good, some are bad. Some will graduate high school, some won’t. Some will continue to post-secondary, others won’t. Some will become rich, others will remain in poverty. Some will stay with their baby’s daddy, others will split up. You can say the same things about any type of person, no matter what their situation is or their age.
And to be perfectly honest, before I became a teen mom myself I had a lot of misinterpreted assumptions of them, too.
What’s your opinion on teen moms?
Thanks,
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I just read through your whole series on this. Very good posts!! I was a teen mother as well. I had my son my senior year of high school and still manged to graduate 7th in my class, was nominated class VP for the 3rd year in a row, graduated with honors, participated in FBLA & Academic Decathlon...and I had certain teachers telling me that I was throwing my life away. But my son has been the greatest gift I have EVER received. I commend you for taking the time to speak out and to try to help educate about all the misconceptions.
ReplyDeleteShawna
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Thanks for taking the time to read this! It sounds like you are an amazing woman, and it's so inspiring to read how you've discovered pottery through your very unfortunate retirement. I look forward to reading more on your blog :)
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