I don’t recall adultism behavior and attitudes when I was pregnant with my first, in 1973. The demographics of parental age have changed so much since then, so it doesn’t surprise me. HipMama magazine, around since the mid-90’s, is devoted to contradicting the stereotypes and providing a forum for the moms among us who haven’t towed the cultural line. I highly recommend it’s sassy take on the social negativity around young moms.

I loved the poem. I felt a lifting of my heart to imagine this young woman, bucking the culture and daring to believe that her child was a blessing. About half way through I got a strong sense of what it would be like if the default attitude among US’ers was joy and anticipation for EVERY child and unconditional support for EVERY mom. What a difference that would make!

I had to deal with that kind of attitude occasionally even though I was 26 when I was pregnant, because I was young-looking. The things people assume are hard to deal with. I can understand that the teenage years are not the ideal time for childbearing, but it happens, and those people need help, not dirty looks.