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Embracing Young Mom, Jasmin

Briefly introduce yourself – name, age, location, age of baby etc.

Hi my name is Jasmin, I’m 21 years old now but I had my son at the tender age of 19, so he will be 19 months this month. I’m currently in Cape Town CBD, but I gave birth in Durban, I did a lot of relocating growing up.

What’s your favourite thing about being a mom?

My favourite thing about being a mom is probably knowing that no matter what, I will ALWAYS have my son’s unconditional love. There is something different about a child’s love in that it is unique, no one else in the world can make you glow the same way you do when your child runs to you and squeezes you tight.

What is one misconception people have about young moms?

One misconception people have about young moms is that we do not know what we are doing and are raising our children wrong, because we do not have as much experience at life as the next person. I grew up practically raising my siblings, so I did know a thing or two down the motherhood road, but people take one look at your age and make assumptions.

Tell us how society could support young parents better?

Society could definitely support young parents better by learning to withhold judgement. When I was pregnant, I always wore baggy clothing in attempt to hide my belly, because I always felt like people would stare because I was so young. Something like that really does damage to a person’s self esteem and self worth. Instead, society could smile at us instead of stare at us, offer words of wisdom instead of words of judgment.

What is your dream for your child/ children?

My dream for my child is that he grows up to be the kind of man I didn’t think existed all through growing up, the kind that is gentle, yet strong. Kind and compassionate, and wise beyond his years. My dream is that he gets the life that I never had, filled with stability and joy.

Finish this sentence: I want you to know that…

I want you to know that we live in a world where society rejects what isn’t conventional. Having an unplanned child while you are still a child yourself, is unconventional. But never shrink yourself to fit into a square box, we were made to destroy that box! The greatest things in life are always the unexpected, my son is the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

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