Name: |
Karrie |
Online Name: |
Karrie (sarahs_mommy) |
Country: |
USA |
State: |
CA |
Age: |
21 |
Your Birthday: |
November 3, 78 |
Special Talents: |
Listening, reading, writing |
Hobbies: |
Helping others, support group, writing |
Where do you work? |
WAHM (Daycare Provider) |
Were you working when you became pregnant?
If yes, doing what? |
Nope, I was finishing high school |
Are you in school? |
Yes, second year of college |
If you've graduated, what is your degree? |
I graduated high school but am still working
on college for a while. |
How old were you when you had your first
child? |
18 |
Did you keep? abort? give up for adoption?: |
I kept my child, it wasnt a decision. |
Was it the first time you had sex? |
No, it was after a year of being sexually
active. |
Were you and the father a couple? |
At the time I was pregnant, yes. |
Are you still together? |
Nope, we broke up when I was six months
pregnant. |
If you're not together, is the father involved?
How is he involved? |
No, he pretty much ditched out on us. |
Were you using protection against pregnancy?
If yes, what kind? |
We were withdrawing, so not really any
good protection at all. |
If not, was it because you were trying
to get pregnant? Please explain: |
No, I just was birth control stupid |
Did you know how you would support the
baby? Support yourself? |
Nope, but I knew I was going to have to
figure it out, real quick! |
Were you using protection against STDs? |
Nope, but luckily I don't have any and
am tested every year |
How many children do you have? |
One |
What are their names, ages, birthdays? |
Sarah, 22 months (1-16-98) |
Was the pregnancy emotionally difficult? |
At first I was scared but I just cleared
my head and planned my future. |
Was the pregnancy physically difficult?
i.e. were there any medical problems? |
No problems at all except I didnt like
the 4 month long morning sickness. |
What was/is the most difficult experience
as a young mother? |
Trying to finish school, keep a job and
be a mother all at once. |
Was your family helpful/supportive? |
At first disappointed, but my parents are
proud of me now. |
Did you stay at home with your parents? |
Yes, I lived with my dad and boyfriend. |
Did your family help support you? The baby?
Emotionally, financially, or both? |
They supported me emotionally but I had
to deal with financial things and actually raising Sarah by myself. |
Do they support you now? Emotionally, financially,
or both? |
They are still supportive and watch Sarah
sometimes if I need a break, but I'm still pretty much on my
own. |
Did/do you need public assistance? How
did/does that make you feel? |
Yes, I was on welfare for over a year and
I didnt feel ashamed about it. I couldnt have made it without
it. Its a temporary 'get on your feet thing' |
Was the father's family involved with the
pregnancy? Emotionally, financially, or both? |
I don't know the fathers family much. |
Did the father's family help support you?
Emotionally, financially, or both? |
Unknown |
Does the child have a relationship with
the paternal Grandparents? |
Nope |
Do you feel accepted by people your age? |
Sometimes, never fit in much anyways. :-) |
Do you feel like you have it harder than
people your own age without children? |
Yes, tottally!!! |
Are you happy with the decisions you have
made? (Be honest. . .it's ok to feel bad, we all do sometimes) |
Yep, because I believe everything happens
for a reason and make me who I am. I wouldnt trade my daughter
for the world! |
What are your personal goals? (goals for
yourself as an individual not as a mother) |
I want to graduate college and become a
teacher. I don't have any other goals outside being a mother
because that is who I am and my little girl centers my entire
world. Every dream I have I evolve around her. |
Have your goals changed since you became
a parent? |
Nope, not at all. Only thing different
is I started my family a couple years younger than I planned. |
Do you feel that reaching your goals will
be more difficult now that your a teen parent? |
It is harder but it is worth it to show
my daughter that I can be a wonderful mom and still reach my
dreams. |
What would you tell a (school age) 12-18
year old girl that wanted to get pregnant? |
I would bring her over to my house and
let her watch my daughter on a school day and she will instantly
understand how hard it is! |
How do you think being a Young Mother has
changed you? |
It has made me a better person if anything.
I absoulutly feel fullfilled as a mother. It has made me more
responsible, patient and empathatic. |
How do you think society looks upon teen
pregnancy? |
They dont understand it. It is seen as
slutty if you are a teen mom. I just generally feel people think
we are all immature irresponsible kids who pon are babies off
on our parents while we go party. |
Why do you think there are so many teen
parents? |
Because there is so much teen sex. |
List 5 Pro's to being a teen Mother? |
1)The joy of your children, 2)The responsibilty
(wake up call to real life) 3)The more understanding you will
be with your kids (because of the closeness in age), 4)You will
probably get to see your great grandchildren, 5)The learning
that goes with parenting |
List 5 Con's to being a teen Mother?: |
1)You will be looked down upon, 2)Not having
friends and families support (in some cases) 3)Trying to finish
school & other goals, 4)A lot of teen parents are not yet patient
& responsible enough to handle parenting, 5)Being unmarried in
most cases (often without a dad figure at all for children) |
What do you expect to get out of being
a member of Young Mothers?: |
Support and friendship |
Today's Date: |
10-22-99 |