Why judge us because were young?

Laura - posted on 11/26/2011

To the OP - WELL SAID!!! I'm 20 and constantly get stared at when I'm out with my two kids alone. I am still with their father, but he works constantly so it's usually just me and my two kids, and yes I do look about 15-16, but I just hold my head up high and know that I do a damn good job raising my children, and try to ignore anyone elses judgment.

Amy - posted on 11/21/2011

The fact of the matter is that people are assholes. It is that simple. People like to judge and condem people who do not do things the way they think it should be done. I was 19 when I had my daughter. She is 7 1/2 now. I have been the youngest parents at mommy and me or at the daycare drop off. I have gotten the looks and as a single parent i have been judged for not being with the father (that was by my own aunt and cousin) so I get it. And even thought I have a job a college degree, no help from the state in any way and a house and I am able to give my daughter more then most 2 income families can afford I am still being judged for getting knocked up at 19. But the thing is is that will never change. You will always be judged for something and you will always judge other people for doing things differently then you do. So I say this in the nicest way and as someone is has been judged for being a young mother, a single mother, a working mother and many other reasons...GET OVER IT. Who cares if someone is judging you. Just raise your child and don't care what others think, stop complaining and just GET OVER IT.

Jacqui - posted on 02/02/2011

I was only just 15 when we concieved my little girl and i did not findo out until i was about 7 months gone, but as i tild everyone at school i was called a slag and a slut. i have been with my fiance 5 years in december and i have only had sex with him. I get really dirty looks when i walk down the street on my own. I am the youngest in my young parents groups, most of them are celebrating ther 22 this year and i am celbrating my 18th this year. All Young mums get looks and spoken about. I just turn round and say, i know i am young put i am probably giving her better life lesson than you ever could. I am struggling to complete college. This is my second and final attempt of a free education. Don't be discouraged and tell the people that give you dirty looks that you are the best mum in the world.

Courtney - posted on 02/02/2011

hay think of it this way girls if your 20 and look in your teen your age really well the lucky mothers that look in there earliy 30s at 50 is a gift most woman dye for

KELLIKAYZ - posted on 02/01/2011

sweetie, i was 22 when i had my now 18 year old. i know all about the looks and words and unfair judgement. the best thing to do is just continue being WHO YOU ARE....A GREAT MOMMY....people will always talk, ALWAYS. usually they are trying to make themselves feel better and attempt this by talking about others. there will never be a time when someone doesn's feel like they have the right to judge, but you keep your head high and continue to make your daughter proud. MY FAVORITE THING WAS THAT I WOULD DEFY THEIR STEREOTYPES AND MAKE THEM THINK TWICE BY MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS......YOU DO THE SAME HONEY

Chantelle - posted on 01/31/2011

I had my daughter 7 days after i turned 15, my son just after i turned 20 im nearly 21 yes i get dirty looks went to school up until i was 34 1/2 weeks pregnant i got called a whore, i still do actually. Im still with the father been together for 7 years now. I dont go out partying iv been clubbing once i look after my kids well they have everything they need and want. They come first. We get the bad name because alot of the young ones which are giving us the bad name are the ones out partying, clubbing and getting their child babysat every weekend. i dont get my kids babysat at all, no one looks after them only me and their dad. Both their grand parents get them for a night or 2 only 2-3 times a year. And i get judged? My partner works i stay at home and socialize with the other mums my house is always spotless, age shouldn't matter. I get dirty looks all the time im over it.

Tina - posted on 01/31/2011

I hear you hun! I hate the judgements!! like you I am 20 and get asked if i am 14! it drives me crazy! my 18 month old is my entire world! I work and attend college! I am starting my own business. My fiance works full time plus! We pay all our bills, We are not on any assistance (i think these programs are great for those that need them, and i think its great that you accept their help being a single mom, however we dont need them).
One day i was in walmart with Gracie. some lady comes to me and says to her "your sister is so nice for bringing you with her" i said "I am her mom" she went off about me being a young mom saying things like "oh so you have to brting her" and "you cant be more than 14-15 years old" i walked away but its like ok you dont know me I am 20 and i am a pretty damn good mom!

Zarabeth - posted on 01/30/2011

If you would like to re-read Susie's comment she is getting an education. Unfortunatly she just isnt doing it in a class room due to idiot teenagers who know doubt give it not a very long time will find that test is saying positive to and bang there in Susie's boat. I hope she dose go to college and her boyfriend dose to and good luck to them both!
Just a massive thank you to everyone who has pasted helpfull and encouraging posts, it has help me on my hang ups and better yet I dyed my hair blue and purple again and feel I can wear my make-up and still go out! :). Am so much happier since reading im not alone in this and have every right to look how I want to as long as my daughter comes first. Some of your posts have made me wonna cry with both joy and upset mainly because the disrespect some people have, it is knowones right to be so damn rude just earlyer today I was told to leave a shop because my daughter started crying due to being tierd, and when I said no shes just tierd and either way i need to get milk he started to swear and raise his voice at me! After that I through the milk on the floor at his feet told him not to swear infront of children and walked out. Can't believe just how much you posts have helped me get my confidence back! THANK YOU ALL!!!
X

Christina - posted on 01/24/2011

Susie my only advice for you is to PLEASE get your education. Get your GED or diploma from home school and get some kind of college deg. It will save you in the long run. I was lucky in that I graduated HS at 16yrs old so I was long done before my son was born. (I was 17 when I got preg with him.) I began school to be a nurse when I was 18yrs old and a single mom and graduated it at 19, being a single mom and pregnant with my second. My nursing license has SAVED me. I ended up marrying my daughter's father, but we divorced after 7yrs of marriage. I am able to fully support my four kids alone because I got an education.

Lakisha - posted on 01/23/2011

i was 19 when i had my 2 children but still hand my job as a mom and have my little cousin im 32 now still doing it so dont never judge no one unless u can prove it

Christina - posted on 01/23/2011

I had four kids by the age of 23yrs old. Complete strangers would go out of their way to tell me I had too many damn kids, and ask me if I had figured out a way to prevent pregnancy yet. I also had strangers get into arguments with me about my kids all belonging to me. They would ask me if they were all mine, I would say yes, and then they would say I was lying. I would laugh at them because for all the disrespect I got, I would think, "Hmmm, I'm out in public ALONE with all four of my kids, and you want to make comments on how I'm a bad mom? How can I be a bad mom when I am WITH MY KIDS?!" Just smile sweetly at strangers and if they have any negative comments, just point out that you have your kid WITH you so maybe, just maybe, you aren't as bad of a mom as they are making you out to be ;)

Courtney - posted on 01/23/2011

keep strong it dosent matter how old you are i have a beautiful 6 month old boy and only turn 19 in last couple of months and everyone always comments on how bright eyed and happy he is but there is allway a couple of them who give you that look or have to know your age like its there buisness

Nikki - posted on 01/22/2011

Don't worry one bit what other people think or say :) As long as you know you are taking care of your child then that is all that matters :) I had my first at 19 , second at 25 and third at 38 ! All my kids are good kids and well adjusted :) Age does not matter , Love does :) Keep up the good work !

Ashley - posted on 01/21/2011

reading all of these comments both upsets me and encourages me. it upsets me that so many people are so close minded. it is a bunch of crap. i am not a TEEN mom, however i am pregnant with my 2nd child (due any day now) and i am 23. however, my younger sister (who is 15) babysits for me and her and her boyfriend took my daughter for a walk one day and some lady actually stopped her car and rolled her window down just to ask if they were the parents. my sister (being a very big smart ass, like me lol) said so what if we are... the lady shook her head and said that is sad. poor baby. my sister told her actually we are walking my NEICE and the lady goes thank god. and drove away. i was so mad when they got back that i asked them make and model of the car and plate number i wanted to know if i ever saw her around. i was going to say something to her. but i love reading the comments of you women younger than me that stand up for yourselves and make your voice heard about where you stand. it is very empowering as a fellow woman knowing we are this strong even though we are young.

Sarah - posted on 01/21/2011

Hey susie, congratulations :)
I was 15 too.
Do people seriously talk to you like that? Thats unconscionable! I seriously can't believe that! That's just pathetic to treat you like that omg
I hid my pregnancy the whole way through, so i guess i did the right thing!
Thats awesome you are finishing school and working :) I can tell you you've got a hard road ahead if you want to get somewhere in life but of course its all worth it :)
I would have to say having unprotected sex is encouraging it lol, but i can't talk haha. You've got to assume having unprotected sex will get you pregnant, but i know what you mean i thought my daughter was in gods plan too :)
Anyway good luck! Hope people start treating you better when your baby is born

Susie - posted on 01/21/2011

I am soon to be a mother I am 15 years old, i know you are all young but youre probably thinking (wow!) I have had kids call me a whore to my face and have had my classmates ask me if the people who buy me on the street corner still think im a good F&*% I am not a hooker or a whore i have been with the same guy for the last year. Some even have the nerve to ask if im giving her up for adoption or aborting her. No one asks if im keeping her. To let everyone know I am keeping my daughter. The people who tell me I'm too young to be a mother are just insecure people who wouldn't be able to handle the situation if they were in it. I am 5 months along and I have had to mak numerouse trips to far hospitals because my baby might come out wth a medical condition that runs in my family. My mom is 36 years old about to be a grandma and she has surely talked a few people in our town down a peg when they critisize as she was 21 when she had me and she thinks I am doing an amazing job. Maybe I was stupid to get pregnant at such a young age, but we were planning on having a kid anyway. Everytime we were unprotected we would say were not preventing it and were not encouraging it. God works in funny ways some peole who dont use protection can go years without getting pregnant. It's all in what is planned out for you in the future. My future is looking bright my boyfriend and I see each other everyday I work constantly and even though I still live with my mom, I am a very independant 15 year old. I got kicked out of school beacause i stopped going to class the comments got so bad, but i am currently going through a program through my school that allows me to do my work at home by myself and ive already gotten 3/4 way through my credit....SO SUCK ON THAT ALL OF THE 30-40 YEAR OLDS AND TEENAGED ARSES WHO THINK I CAN'T DO IT!

Mercedes - posted on 01/21/2011

Honestly for many reasons. Some people think and feel there better than young moms. They think we just can`t do the things they can because were not 30+. YOU DON`T HAVE TO BE 30+ TO BE ABLE TO LOVE A CHILD AND TAKE CARE OF ONE. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO JUDGE, BUT THEY DO ANYWAYS. AND IN HONESTY REALITY, IT WONT CHANGE. Im 17 I have 2 kids 14 months, and 3 and a half months. I have got my fair share of looks, and whatever immature things they do. All young parents go through it. These older people think they know every single teen mom and or dad that walk by. Just because there a teen parent. What they see from others they try to make it to be WERE ALL ALIKE when really were NOT. People don`t like to be judge for many differnt reasons. Just like tteen moms dont like to be judged for age, appearance. I HAVE 2 KIDS. IM 17. I HAVE BEEN WITH THE SAME GUY FOR 4 YEARS. YES MY KIDS HAVE THE SAME DAD. I OWN MY HOUSE WITH HIM. IM ENGAGED. WE HAVE 2 BRAND NEW CARS AND I DONT CARE WHAT OTHERS SAY. I DO BETTER THAN ALOT OF ``OLDER PEOPLE`` IM NOT BRAGGING, IM MAKING A POINT. Just because your older, your NOT BETTER. THEY NEED TO STOP BEING IMMATURE. THEY CAN TAKE THERE SATRES AND WHISPERS SOME PLACE ELSE. CAUSE NOT ALL TEEN PARENTS ARE BAD PARENTS.

Autumn - posted on 01/21/2011

people stare at me too but i get alot of compliments on my daughter.just ignore the dirty looks and the snide remarks u are better than that .u shouldnt care what people think as long as u kno ur doing a good job.which im sure u are.stay strong :)

Stifler's - posted on 01/21/2011

They get rude looks and questions all the time about being the baby's grandma...

Cheyne - posted on 01/20/2011

I know what you mean- it's so unfair because I know way older mothers who are completely useless!!! So where are their rude looks?????!!!!!!

Aliesha - posted on 01/20/2011

yeah it sucks to be judged, i'm 19 and have a 19month old son who is quite a wee fella. but my son is happy and always has his needs met. I get just as many admirers over my adorable son as dirty looks from people that don't know better. try noticing the admirers, makes u feel a lot better. just remember age is just a number and if u know your doing a good job who cares what they think :D

Tricia - posted on 01/20/2011

hey i'm 22 with 3 beautiful girls and yes i'm married but on a monthly basis i get asked if i'm 12 atleast 5 times its ridiculous!!!....i just give dirty looks and keep walking lol but thats just me!!

Clare - posted on 01/20/2011

im 26 and married to my son's dad, i get looks and comments from people in the street if im on my own pushing my child down the street does my head in

Netriah - posted on 01/20/2011

you know its just the way of the world. I have asked alot of older moms why they seem so judgemental towards us young parents (this mother in her 40's insulted my every step, my age, my marriage, why I have 4 children, what she would be doing if she were my age...so on) I asked her what her problem was, why did she always have something to say, her answer...im in my 40's and it makes me sick that you young people barely have your lives together, just out of high school no thought about living in the real world, and you go out and get pregnant by your boyfriend or soon to be "babies daddy" and just think it is okay to live on social services and get respect because your a parent now. She had been to college has degrees and feels she understood what it was to have lifes experiences then after having a stable place, job, marriage should you began bringing lives into the world...and her friends agreed.Well I do get that, it makes since is what I told her, however, I had my son at 17, graduated high school on time 4 months later, had a job, a home, and was on my way to college....I now 26 have 4 children by my high school sweetheart, married after our 3rd child and had our 4th soon after. I soon found out how her marriage was falling fast, kids out of control....and she simple envied the way my "young" life had turned out. It was ENVY...that someone younger had it more together than someone with so much experience in life...so hey, it is what it is, we are all women, mothers, just do what you tell your children to do, smile and ignore it..in the end you can walk with your head held high and grow with your children and hopefully make better choices than some haven't...SMILE!

Joanne - posted on 01/20/2011

I am 39 and have children aged 21, 18, 16, 13, 8 and 2 and i have been judged for being a young parent, unmarried parent, older parent, working parent, no longer working parent. i think that some people out there have nothing better to do than to judge others, be mature and ignore them, no matter what you do/say/act now you are a mum the general public believe they have a right to express their opinions about every aspect of your life, wrong I know but that's life

Misty - posted on 01/20/2011

lol women are what make the world go round, we take the burden, we spend the most money and over all we are the main target for gossip/looks/opinions ect. I dont think it makes a difference if your young or old... I have been at the store with my mom who is 41, my three kids age 3, 2, and 1. The cashier asked my mom how She did it and if she was pregnant again. The cashier thought I was my moms Sister.... I dont know see my rule of thumb is if im not sure who mommy is I dont ask untill they say they are or arnt... I agree Mind your own business...

Stephanie - posted on 01/20/2011

i 20 and have an 18 month old and due again in July! I get some looks but I just brush them off, I know I am a fatastic mother and bust my ass to make sure she is healthy and gaining weight like she needs to! As long as you know your doing a damn good job than thats all that should matter. I have also had the athorities called on me for a mosquito bite that my daughter chewed on. I'm pretty positive I have figured out who call, my bio fathers girlfriend. I have seen her and my bio father hit and slap and kick her son and i know I will NEVER be like them! I know that my childs health and well being is always first on my list. Just keep your head high and know your doing your best at being a great mommy. thats all that should matter

Sarah - posted on 01/20/2011

wow Michelle that is one epic speech! I'll have to memorize that one! :)
Theres a debate in debating mums called 'teen pregnancy' that you might be interested in? I think all that you've just said is a really great perspective!

Michelle - posted on 01/19/2011

I had a practiced speech for whenever judgmental people spoke to me when i was a teenage mum:

Physical the teenage years are our prime breeding age. It is when we are at our best to conceive and carry a healthy child to full term. It is only socially unacceptable, which is mainly due to the growing materialism in our society which is forcing woman to child bear at later and later stages in life and to disregard the dangers to their not only their health but the numerous highly increased health risks to the unborn child but this kind of reckless behavior is encourage in our society cause they will own lots shiny things or at least be in a crippling amount of debt that allows them to look like they own lots of shiny things. It’s the same as how we have 5 million children starve to death every year in the world but for 30 something’s to go out and buy a $40 000 or more brand new car, regardless of how many 2nd hand cars in circulation (or even less shiny new cars that cost $13 000) is considered social acceptable hell our society even admires it! This makes no sense and is quite a disgusting part of our society to be honest but it’s the done thing. We ignore the truth and see what we want to see.
That is why I’m proud to be a teenage mum, it means I am going against the mistakes of my elders, my life will be about another human being not money and debt. I know being a teenage mum means I don’t work or study and can’t cope in our society but as I previously said we don’t base our society on the truth... our current society is image based. I do work a 38hr week, I do study and I have plenty of energy and time for my child cause I am a teenager and am at prime physical age to be a parent.

You ever want to see someone look as if you just punched them in the face? Or leave a completely judgmental person speechless or dumbfounded? Simple tell them the truth and if they try to say you’re talking nonsense just agree with them! “Of course I am! I’m stating facts, I’m talking about the truth and I know how unacceptable those things are in our society, and I know this and my lack of concern for image and being able to live my life based on truth will create many problems for people like yourself”.

Saying that there are many people who will admire you and turn from judgmental to encouraging the second you stand up for yourself.

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

hahahaha! Thats really cute but yeah i can see why you didn't take them both out wearing them :) lol!

Nikkole - posted on 01/19/2011

My son had a shirt that said i like boobs and my husband had one to match but they never wore them out in public it was more of a joke :)

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

@Bridget yeah exactly! I've seen tshirts that say 'Boo F*&#ing Hoo' and 'Mother Sucka' Thats trashy! Neither actually swore but i thought they were awful lol baby gaga was just a joke haha

Nikkole - posted on 01/19/2011

LOL yea hes 3 and still has moments of terrible 2's lol but yea all kids have tantrums at one point or another I dont want to spoil my kids they have A Good amount of stuff but i dont want to get in the habit of buying something every time we go out id be more broke than i already am lol! I know people need to mind there own buissness!

Bridget - posted on 01/19/2011

@sarah that is ridiculous that some people would make such a big deal about a t shirt its just a shirt! it's not like it had a curse word or anything on it people need to lighten up @ Nikkole lol i should try and do that with my little ones sometimes they throw awful tantrums in public

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

@Nikkole, that's awesome! Best story ever!
But who are they to judge you for not buying him something? 2 year olds are known for their tantrums.. 'terrible twos' right? If you give in then he'd know it works!
I cannot wait for my daughter to be 2 and try throwing a tantrum haha i'll definitely throw one right back now that i know it works! Sooo funny!

Nikkole - posted on 01/19/2011

One time we went to the store my son was 2 at the time and he wanted to look at toys so i said ok we are just going to LOOK "ok mommy" well we went to the toys let him look around and i was like ok its time to leave well he threw a HUGE fit because he wanted this car toy and he started throwing himself on the floor screaming and EVERYONE was looking at me whispering OH my god why wont she just give that poor baby a toy well you know what i did i laid down on the floor right next to him and started to act like i was crying and yelling and he immediately stopped and got up and said mommy can we go? I got up and said YEP i figured if people were going to stare i would tech my son a lesson and at the same time give them something to stare at! But guess what my son never did that again hahaha!

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

Bridget! Yeah i know ay! They're pretty pathetic!
Yeah sometime kids just cry and theres nothing you can do!
My baby was only crying for 2 minutes at the most and mostly it was whinging, she wasn't screaming until we were nearly at the car lol
I just brushed that one off, when i got over the shock of it.

Another thing thats happened.. When Ceili was about 3 months i bought her a little $5 pink t-shirt that said baby gaga on it.. Not because i want her to grow up to be like lady gaga or because i think lady gaga is a good influence, just because it was a $5 tshirt and i thought it was funny little play on words, but boy did i cop shit for that one lol! I got so many dirty looks and comments like 'how could you let her wear that!' It was JUST A T-SHIRT lol!

Bridget - posted on 01/19/2011

@sarah that is horrible people can be so mean i cant stand it some things like that have happened to me before too where people stared at me when one of my little ones were crying sometimes kids just cry it does not mean that you are a bad mother

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

Oh and the worst thing thats happened to me so far..
I was leaving a shopping centre with my mum and baby, and my baby was in her pram crying because she was tired.. As babies do. Every single person as i walked out those doors gave me a dirty look! What the hell was i supposed to do? The car was like 20 metres away and i knew as soon as i put her in she'd fall asleep!
Anyway as we walked out the doors, (she was screaming by now) a couple actually stopped and just stared then i heard them say something like 'oh that poor child the mothers doing nothing' then some mumbles and 'she doesnt care'.. something something.. Then when i got to the car i picked her up and turned to look at them and they took a photo of me! What the hell! Then they ran off!
Of course she stopped crying then, and fell asleep when i put her in the car..
The nerve of people! I'm still waiting for a call from human services or the newspaper or something, whoever they gave that photo to!
People can be so low.

Sarah - posted on 01/19/2011

Its because there are a lot of really shit teen mums so thats all people hear about! They're not going to put on the news that a brave teenager had her baby, did everything right, they're going to talk about all the mums that abandon their kids, and most of the mums that do that are young. I guess people don't hear about us good ones because we're at home with our kids, and the bad mums are out telling everybody how they've left their baby with its grandma so they can get drunk and smoke weed.
Its disgusting how we get treated because of our age and that even walking down the street we get judged and stared at! I think there are a lot more good mums than bad but no one sees the good side, just the bad.
And by the way i know a lot more bad mums of 30+ than i know under 25! But who gets the bullshit? Not them!

Bridget - posted on 01/19/2011

i had my first baby at 19 then my second at 20 and my third at 22. i always get nasty looks when im out with them and it seems like everyone is trying to judge so i completely agree with you people just need to back off i dont get why it is any of their business anyway my kids are happy and healthy thats all that matters

Brooke - posted on 01/19/2011

young mums get judged because the majority are not very good mothers. Its just that simple. Im not saying every young mother is a bad mum but a lot are. What you don't realise is that the same people would be looking at a 30 yo woman pushing a tandem with a smoke hanging out her mouth and a skirt that short you can call it underwear. Every person gets judged.

Krystal - posted on 01/19/2011

i am 25 2 kids 6 year old and 21 one months. same thing happens with me. and i just tell them if they dont like it them sorry but it is my life and my kids. i had my 6 year old right out of high school.

Laura - posted on 01/19/2011

AMEN to that sister!!

Kristy-lea - posted on 01/18/2011

i know how you feel i had my son at 19 , i had my 1st daughter at 20 and my 2nd daughter at 23, i am now 24 with a near 5 yr old, a 3yr old and a 7 months old, i get filthy looks and comments as im walking past people in public, i even had a man ask me how old i was when i was pregnant with my 3rd and i said 23, he said are these all yours i said yes and he said i am a disgrace and i should be put down,
the way i see it i live everyday for my children and nothing anyone says is going to make a difference if i dont want it too,
i admit it is hard and i do break down and have a cry when i get home if someone is especially hurtful but when im out i hold my head up high with shoulders back because im proud i brought my 3 little miracles into this world, i couldnt imgine life without them now =0)

Louissa - posted on 01/18/2011

it wil never change im onl 17 and had my son when i was 16 and everytime im out a get atleast 3/4 looks from people and i really annoys me! just because were young doesnt mean that were not good parents nd mu mum thinks that im doing a better job than she was when i was young! i go to a young parents group on a thursday and it really helps me to boost my confidence adn helps me not to feel allone in times like this!

Stifler's - posted on 01/18/2011

Older mums feel the same way when people say shit about them being the grandma or too old to be having kids. Regular age mums feel the same when people ask them why they haven't gone back to work yet (when they have a husband who makes enough money for both of them) or why aren't they breastfeeding or why is their kid eating tinned food or why don't they do this or that or the other. It's not because you're young mate, it's because you're a mum at all.

Zarabeth - posted on 01/17/2011

Just drives me mad epeshally when I see a mother who is in her 30's with children and she's ignoring the children because she's chatting on the phone or texting while they run a riot, yet I get the filthy looks. Hello there my daughter is playing quietly in her pram and i'm minding my own business yet i'm the neglectant one? Society should stop being so judgmental because I could openly judge them for all kinds of things, but I don't because I have respect. I am not saying I've never looked at someone and thought to myself something judgmental because we all do it, but I keep my thoughts to myself, and so should others unless its needed.

Liz - posted on 01/17/2011

I think, unfortinately that is just how today's society is. I am 24. My b/g twins will be three in June and my son will be one in July. Every time I go out with the kids without my husband I always get looks and comments, but I do my best to try and ignore it.

Casey - posted on 01/17/2011

Its never goin to change. Im 21 and have a 3 year old. I still get the looks. It gets worse when I have my nephew or the child I babysit with me. You wont notice them as much. Its just something you have to get used to. My son is small but that has nothing to do with the way hes raised. I know more teen moms that are grate parents then not. There are a few but most of us are just as good a parent and women that are in thier late 20s when they have their children.