Being a young mom could seem like a scary thing for sure; and if one were to be brutally honest, the real picture is not all that pretty. Motherhood comes with several responsibilities, and a young woman might not be ready to take on this challenging and life-altering role.
However, there are always ways to grow into these things. You might not need a crash course (you could take that up if you feel like) on how to be a good mother, but you could always learn certain ways as you ease into the mom lifestyle.
Acknowledge That Motherhood Is Not Easy
The first step to successful mothering would be to acknowledge that being a young mother is quite arduous. It is demanding of your time and energy and can also test your patience at times.
Psychology states that mothers are at times haunted by thoughts of harming their own children. This does not insinuate that mothers want to get rid of their babies, but it simply implies that once a woman becomes a mother, all the emotional floodgates open, which might result in a mother’s emotions being all over the place.
You are not a bad mother. You just have to accept that you are on a rollercoaster ride of mixed feelings during motherhood.
No Crash Course Can Teach You To Be Hands-On Mom
You can take up babysitting, but remember, no amount of training can teach you how to become a good mother. It'll help, but you will have to figure out this stuff yourself.
Motherhood comes with no rules, and especially if you are a young and new mom there will be times when you mess up. However, don't let that get you down. Every failed mothering experiment will add to your experience, and in no time will you become a hands-on mom.
Your Career Does Not Have To Take A Backseat
Motherhood does not have to mean that you can't work. I mean if fathers do not compromise on their careers, why should it be any different for you?
However, there are certain things that only a mother can do, and thus, there might be times when you have to put your child before anything else (i.e. breastfeeding).
Do not be afraid if your child demands a lot of your time. This could seem scary, but there will always be ways to figure a balance. Share the load with your partner or any family member, or keep a babysitter on speed dial for those extra hectic times.
You Still Get To Enjoy Life
Motherhood does not have to mean that your social life is officially over. You still get to enjoy life and have friends. You have become a mother, and there is nothing to be scared of.
Live your life and go out with your friends. Gorge on fries and cheeseburgers. There is no one to stop you. Just remember to spend time with your little one as well. Do all of that, and motherhood should work out just fine for you.
There is no point boring you with 7 ways to become an awesome mother or 10 ways to handle the emotions of motherhood. It is an on-going process, and you just have to go with the flow. Trust your abilities and do not shy away from asking for help when things get hard.
I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
You are very welcome!
This is great advice for new mothers! It is definitely not easy being a mom, but it is rewarding!
Yes, being a mom is extremely rewarding!
I wish I would have been a little more educated before I became a mother at the age of 18. But I did it and it was the biggest blessing! Motherhood is wonderful but the hardest thing you will ever do!
Motherhood is def a learning process but most usually get the hang of it 🙂
Great tips. Simply enjoy your kids. They grow up fast. I miss them being little now.
So true – you blink and they are huge. Enjoy the little moments!
These are all excellent tips!