As I gaze at the young women at Teen MOPS, I can’t help but think of my own crisis pregnancy. I discovered I was pregnant the beginning
of my senior year in 1989. I was a cheerleader and an honor student. I even edited the school newsletter. All that changed. I went from a
normal teen to a teen mom. My boyfriend was gone and my friends moved on.
I would have felt completely abandoned if not for my grandmother’s Bible Study group. They invited me to their studies. They gave me a
baby shower. They invited me to church, and basically helped me to grow into my role as a mother.
My experience made me understand the importance of loving support for young mothers. This is why I helped to launch our
Teen MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) group.
I wanted to provide young moms with the same type of help and care I’d received.
Do you know someone who needs the same type of help?
Top Nine Needs of Teen Moms
- Significance
Teen moms need to know they matter. They need to know their mothering will make all the difference in their children’s lives.
- Identity
Teen moms live in limbo between being a kid and being a parent. They need to know who they as a person.
- Growth
Teen moms excel when someone believes in them. They grow in character when they are shown a higher standard.
- Intimacy
Teen moms need to know what true intimacy looks like. It’s not just physical closeness. It also involves uniting hearts through healthy relationships.
- Instruction
Many teen moms come from unhealthy homes. When healthy parenting is modeled, they are quick to follow the better path.
- Help
Many teen moms do not have support from a dedicated husband or boyfriend. Also, they are attempting to balance school, work, and parenting. Through a teen mom’s support group, one of the best places to find help is from each other!
- Recreation
Teen moms go from having fun as a teen to being responsible for the life of another small person. These moms love getting together healthy fun such as crafts or trips to the park with their kids.
- Perspective
In a world that places emphasis on “things,” loving mentors help teen mothers focus on what matters most.
- Hope
This is the most important thing a young mother needs—hope in a good future!
* Excerpted from Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom
by Tricia Goyer.
About The Author:
Tricia Goyer is the author of From Dust and Ashes:,
Night Song,
and Dawn Of A Thousand Nights.
She is also a freelance writer, children’s church leader and the mother of three. Visit her at: TriciaGoyer.com
* This article is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This article may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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