Although more and more women are putting off having kids till later, some women choose to start a family earlier.

In some ways, their offspring are better off as a result. Younger mums have more energy to keep up with their kids and are able to recover faster after childbirth.

Sadly, these young women are also likely to be judged as bad parents because of their youth. We’ve rounded up some of the silly comments young mothers no longer want to hear…

1) “You’re so young!”

Being a young mum means you’ll have more energy and stamina to keep up with your kewpie when they hit the Terrible Twos, become a “Threenager” or try ruling the roost as a “Fournado”. Nor will any amount of life experiences prepare you for these challenging transitions. So, being young doesn’t mean you can’t be a good mother.

Having children also adds new meaning to your life — it gives you an added determination to reach your goals and provide a better life for your kids.

2) “There’s still so much in the world you haven’t seen.”

You can still travel and see the world after becoming a parent. Travelling with your brood actually lets you forge stronger bonds through shared experiences.

3) “Don’t you miss being young and carefree?”

While it’s true that having a child comes with more responsibilities, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams. You can scale Mount Everest, check off your bucket list or meet your girlfriends on a Friday night. The secret? Good time management and getting childcare. Having children also adds new meaning to your life — you’re more determined than ever to reach your goals and provide a better life for your kids.

4) “Are you still married to the guy?”

You are mocking the young mum’s ability to pick a good spouse and assuming the worst of them. Their significant others could be committed parents and spouses, quite unlike that unfaithful guy you see in countless TV dramas and movies. Not all young mums are stuck in relationships they hate.

5) “Pregnancy will ruin your figure.”

Actually, being a younger mum means you’ll recover much quicker after giving birth and can expect to face fewer complications which can threaten your foetus’s life. Or will you ever be out of style options, since you’ll have a wide array of maternity togs to choose from.

6) “What do your parents think of you having kids at such a young age?”

Most grandparents are elated at the thought of having a grandchild to love and dote on. It is also the reason why they tend to spoil their grandkids silly ― because they give in to their demands for snacks and showering them with gifts.

Babies are expensive, no matter how old their parents are ― like any other parent, young mothers also need to figure out how to make things work.

7) “Do your parents help to look after the kids most of the time?”

Grandparents aside, a young mother has access to other forms of childcare including engaging a helper, getting a nanny or relying on childcare centres.

8) “But who is your child going to play with?”

Instead of asking this question, why not buy educational toys for your friend’s child instead? This way, junior will be kept occupied while developing their mental and physical skills at the same time. In any case, parents are spoilt for choice these days as they can choose to enrol their offspring in kindergartens, kid’s gyms or childcare centres.

9) “Are you getting any financial assistance?”

Babies are expensive, no matter how old their parents are ― like any other parent, young mothers also need to figure out how to make things work. Also, a parent’s ability to care for their offspring cannot be measured in monetary terms. A mother’s emotional and physical presence matters as much, if not more, in raising well-adjusted children.

10) “Was it an accident?”

It’s rude and insensitive to label someone else’s child as an “accident”. Starting a family is a deeply personal decision a couple makes, so there’s no need for others — including loved ones — to weigh in. Just be happy for the young mum and offer your support as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Photos: iStock

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