3 Shocking Truths I learnt from Being a Teenage Mum

I was just 18 when I had my first child, in a long term relationship that quickly deteriorated, I faced many challenges and 15 years on I'm ready to share some light one some of the biggest lessons I learnt and how anyone can implement them in order to grow.

Lesson 1: Judgement

The first lesson I learnt was way before the child was born and it was a lesson in judgement. We all judge constantly on a daily basis, some subconscious and some very consciously. I found that while I was in a long term relationship at the time, and the child was very much wanted, I faced continually judgement. Judgement that it must have been a mistake, judgement that I'd have a life on benefits, that my child would grow up with a criminal record and on drugs. The judgement comes very much from the narrative the media present, and in same cases sadly they're right. Feeling that judgement and carrying it is a heavy load.

The simple answer is how much of that judgement you chose to take on. I chose to not accept that narrative, I chose to be the one who proved the system wrong, I was definant in that judgement, I chose not to let my life become any of those things.

I did that by remembering lesson number 2.

Lesson 2: Your current situation is never your final destination

I'm a huge believer in this because by the age of 22 I was a single mum to a 5 year old and a 2 year old. There were endless nights I cried myself to sleep so fearful of what our future would hold and so downtrodden that maybe those judgements were right. I was pre-prescribed this life of broken homes for my children.

But I kept in mind that 'your current situation is never your final destination'. What my life has actually become is phenomenal and that's testament to being a young mum.

I went to University at 22 as a 'mature' student, with two kids in tow. I worked my arse off and graduated with a first class honours degree. I got industry experience while studying and caring for the kids and I gratefully walked straight into my industry of choice. While I'm no longer in that industry, that fight for survival lives on in my 2 businesses that I work from home around my children.

And this isn't my final destination. I have much bigger goals. But its so important to remember this lesson, because theres going to be times in your life that you'll doubt you'll make it through. But somehow you will because your current situation is not your final destination.

Lesson 3: Learn Hard and Learn Fast

This was a harsh lesson to learn. You have to learn hard and fast in life.

When I was suddenly thrown into this world of being a young mum, I had no idea of what I was doing. I had very little support network, no mummy friends and was pretty isolated. I had to learn to trust my instincts, when to ask for help, how to hustle a bit harder and how to be an example to my family. I had to keep learning. Everything I thought I knew being a mum went out the window when I had a child diagnosed with additional needs. The truth is 15 years down the line with now three children, I'm still learning on a daily basis how to parent.

I had to learn my industry when I went to University and into the industry, I had to learn what clients were looking for, how to appeal to people, how to remain cool while paddling furiously under the surface. I had to learn again when I started my first business that failed within a year. I had to learn harder and faster when I started my next business, and in business today you'll still find me learning hard a fast.

Education doesn't end when school does, it never should. We live in a fast paced world and to keep up you MUST learn hard and fast. But the bit that makes you stand out amongst the rest is the application of that education.

I always keep this Tony Robbins quote in mind "Happiness Is Progress". Lets face it, even if right now you're so happy in your career, that won't be the case in 5 or 10 years time. Progressing is happiness. So each day learn a little bit harder and apply it a little bit faster.

Closing Thoughts

Time waits for noone, my baby is approaching 15, that teen mum is a distant memory. I'm so very grateful I learnt this lessons, often the hard way, but I was able to become the woman that my children can look up to with pride in their eyes. And you can too.

If You're interested in learning more about Kate, Her Businesses and the lessons she's learnt, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or her website HERE