Becoming a new parent is an exciting and challenging time, no matter what age you are.
It’s important to know that what matters most to children is how you nurture and connect with them, not how old you are. When young parents raise their children in loving, reliable and nurturing ways, their children grow and develop well.
Research undertaken by Orygen and PANDA found that young parents today are more likely to experience mental health challenges compared with previous generations of young parents, due to differences in technology use, more sedentary lifestyles and chronic stress.
Whether your pregnancy was planned or not, you and your baby can thrive in life with the right support.
“To other young parents - trust your own instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s probably not. Don’t feel less of a parent because of your age. You can be an amazing parent no matter what age you are if you look after yourself and your bub.”
Thriving as a young parent
- Believe in yourself and your ability to parent. Even if you don’t have the support of your family or partner around you, you can still look after your baby with love and care.
- Co-parenting can be challenging so focus on ways to stay positively connected to your partner (if you have one) and parent as a team.
- Babies don’t need the latest brand-new gadgets and toys. See what you can borrow, or buy, second hand. You may also be eligible for government financial assistance. (Centrelink provides a range of payments and services to help young parents, such as Parenting Payment and Child Care Benefit.)
- Create a safe and secure living environment for you and your baby, whether that means living at home with your parents (or your partner’s parents) or with friends or a place of your own.
- If your own family aren’t supportive of your decision to have a baby this may affect how much they want to be involved. It might not be possible to remain connected with your family so focus on building relationships with those who are supportive.
- It can be lonely seeing your friends living a different lifestyle. Think about staying connected to your old friends as well as making new friends through new parents’ groups or playgroups.
- Take control of the conversation in medical appointments, especially if you feel that medical professionals are speaking to your parents or guardian rather than to you. You’re in charge of your and your baby’s medical needs. Only agree to decisions you’re happy with and don’t be afraid to ask questions and take your time to make sure you understand what is being recommended. Remember that you are the one to be spoken to and who can make the decisions. If you feel you aren’t being listened to, you can remind your doctor that you know best.
- Explore education support options so that you can continue with school.
- Take a break from social media if you find it’s making you feel uncomfortable, anxious or upset.
- Focus on becoming the type of parent you want to be for your baby.
Helpful Information
Rebecca’s story: parenting as a young neurodivergent mum
Reaching out for support and building your community of care
As a young parent, you can benefit from building a supportive community around you up until (and in some cases, beyond) your child starts school so remaining connected with several different services can be a great way to feel supported as your child grows.
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Social supports
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Healthcare supports
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Raising Children website
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Family Planning Alliance Australia
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Kids Helpline
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Minus 18
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Ask Izzy
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Headspace
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Youth Beyond Blue
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Pregnancy Help Australia
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Reachout
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Young Pregnant and Parenting Network
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Young Well Beings
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Support services for young people moving to independent living
The research from Orygen and PANDA found that young parents are likely to find online mental health support services useful and would like to see more of these services.
Finishing your education
If you’re pregnant or have a baby while you’re still at school, TAFE or university, you have the right to continue and finish your education.
Education support options might include:
- flexible hours or modified timetables
- reduced study load or part-time study
- classroom support staff or guidance officers
- home or online study
- supervised home visits from teachers
- an alternative pathway to higher education
If you’re currently at school and these options aren’t available, you can investigate other schools that are better at supporting you or consider completing Year 12 at TAFE or a similar institution.
Additional antenatal care required for teenagers
All pregnant women need good antenatal care. If you’re pregnant and aged under 19, you need extra care in pregnancy and as a new mum. You have special health concerns because your own body is still growing and developing.
Some young parents sometimes feel that their pregnancy related experiences, concerns or preferences are ignored or dismissed by health professionals due to their age. Consider asking a trusted adult to attend appointments with you to advocate with you.
What you eat, drink, smoke or vape is passed through to your baby during pregnancy and post birth via breastmilk. It can affect your baby’s health and development. It’s best not to drink alcohol, smoke, vape or use drugs, including marijuana, while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also important to protect your baby from other people’s smoke.
Making life easier as a young parent
When you’re focusing on looking after your baby or young child, you might forget to look after yourself. The most important thing you can do (after making sure your child’s essential needs are met) is to look after yourself - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Looking after yourself will help your child grow and thrive.
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy meals regularly (set an alarm on your phone to remind you)
- Get as much rest as you can (go to bed early and nap when your baby is napping)
- Focus on your own self-care
- Talk to someone about how you’re feeling (call PANDA on 1300 726 306 or ask your GP to put you in touch with a counselling service. Counselling can help parents with personal issues as well as issues associated with being a parent at a young age).
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