This post is not political. Just a heads up.

I've been reading some commentary on what Bristol Palin's pregnancy means for and to other young mothers and mothers-to-be. Everyone is quick to point out that she comes from a family that is financially stable, is blessed with a family who is offering their support and will be marrying the father of her baby. And then many an article that I have read is quick to say, "But that's not what other mothers are experiencing!"

And it's true, of course. The majority of mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies are not on the same playing field as Bristol. Young? Yes. Scared? Totally. But similarities quickly run out when you start dealing with real world, non-semi-celebrity status issues. But I'm tired of the negative spin being put on these comparisions.

It seems to me that every single article I have read comparing Bristol to other young, pregnant mothers takes a negative spin on the "other young mothers." And I'm here to say: Yes, it's going to be hard but you can do it! You can! You can beat the odds. You can blast through the stereotypes and stigmas and live a respectful life. You can achieve your goals. You can be a great mother. You don't have to be rich to be a great parent.

And I understand the realities. This article does a great job of highlighting the fact that most teen parents live in poverty. But, hey! With the economy being what it is today, that's not much different than any other family, now is it? (Oh, wait, I said this wouldn't be a political post. Ignore that sentence.)

All the same, I want to let young mothers dealing with an unplanned pregnancy know that they can do it. It's going to be hard. It's going to be the hardest thing you've ever done and will likely ever do. But you can make it through this time in your life. You can make the decisions. You can push forward. You don't have to be a Vice Presidential candidate's daughter to succeed. You just have to make the decision to succeed and then make a plan to accomplish that goal.

You can do it. Even if you're not Bristol.



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