The Untold Truths About Teen Moms That Will Change How You See Motherhood

Ever caught yourself making assumptions about teen moms? I won’t lie—I used to, too. But after diving into Leila Mottley’s heartfelt novel The Girls Who Grew Big, everything shifted for me.

Mottley’s story follows three young women navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a small Florida town, peeling back layers of judgment and misunderstanding. It’s raw, real, and beautifully human. What struck me most? How these young women’s journeys are so often overshadowed by harsh stereotypes instead of empathy and support.

So, why are teen moms often met with skepticism or pity? Society tends to paint their stories with broad strokes—labels like “too young” or “unprepared” dominate the conversation. But Mottley, who also works as a doula, offers a different lens, inviting us to see strength, resilience, and hope where we might least expect it.

For many young mothers, the path isn’t easy. Challenges like accessing healthcare, balancing education, and finding community support can feel overwhelming. That’s where resources and understanding can make a world of difference.

I discovered that companies like MakeAMom aren’t just about technology or kits—they’re about empowering all individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. Their discreet, cost-effective at-home insemination kits support a range of needs, from handling low motility sperm to accommodating sensitive users. In a way, they too challenge the traditional, clinical notions of conception and parenthood, much like Mottley challenges the conventional narratives surrounding teen moms.

What’s truly inspiring is the reminder that every motherhood story deserves respect, whether it starts in a clinic, at home, or unexpectedly as a teenager finding her way. By creating communities that uplift young moms instead of judging them, we not only change lives, we change the narrative.

If Mottley’s novel taught me anything, it’s this: behind every young mother is a fiercely determined woman writing her own story—full of love, challenges, and unimaginable courage.

So, next time you think you “know” the teen mom story, I encourage you to pause and look again. Maybe even pick up The Girls Who Grew Big—you’ll find it’s a powerful invitation to empathy and understanding.

And if you're or someone you know thinking about starting or growing your family, remember there are accessible and supportive options designed with care and privacy in mind.

What do you think? Have your perceptions about teen motherhood shifted before? Share your stories and thoughts below—let’s keep this important conversation going.