Margaret Nava: A Young Mom Breaking Stereotypes

When Margaret and Tony Nava are out, people often ask if 6-year-old Tony is Margaret’s little brother. The boy quickly replies, “No, she’s my mom!”

At 23, Margaret is used to the confusion. She’s also used to joining in soccer games and dodging water balloons with Tony and his friends outside their Orange apartment.

“I find myself having a good time with Tony,” she says. “My parents were older and didn’t play with me the way I play with Tony. Because I participate in his activities, he and his friends think I’m cool.”

Expert Insight

Amy Stark, a Tustin individual and family psychologist, says young parents often have an advantage:

• Energy and playfulness – Young parents often have the energy to play and connect with their children.
• Completed parenting by 40 – Starting early may mean finishing the most intensive parenting years earlier in life.

However, Stark cautions that the emotional toll and life-stage conflict of young parenthood can be intense.

The Challenges of Being a Young Parent

Stark notes that the ages of 18 to 22 are often a critical stage for identity development. Having a baby during that time can make things more complex. She adds:

• It’s hard to relate to peers who aren’t parents.
• Marriages formed after the birth of a child often struggle to survive.
• Economic strain is common due to lack of career experience or education.

Margaret’s Journey as a Single Mother

Margaret had Tony at 17 while finishing high school. She originally lived with Tony’s father, who left when the baby was 10 months old. Family support became essential:

• Her parents helped with childcare.
• Her brothers acted as male role models for Tony.

She finished high school while caring for Tony and worked part-time to pay for necessities. Later, she trained as a medical assistant while balancing school, work, and parenting.

Overcoming the Emotional Toll

Margaret admits the hardest part was losing personal time. Seeing friends go out while she stayed home with laundry and formula was emotionally challenging. But she now enjoys stability and a close bond with her son.

“Without Tony, I think I’d be off partying,” she reflects. “Now I have a career and my own home. We’re happy.”

Linda and Walter Dougherty: Planning Young Parenthood

Linda Dougherty always planned to be a young mom. She had her first child at 20 and was pregnant again when her daughter was just 3 months old.

She had just finished nursing school and felt ready—but her husband, Walter, wasn’t as prepared.

Walter’s Struggle to Adjust

Walter, 21 at the time, admits he was scared of babies and didn’t take as much responsibility early on. Without career training, he felt overwhelmed by financial pressure.

“Financially, being a younger parent is probably harder,” he says.

Raising Street-Smart Kids

Linda believes children of young parents are more independent and street-smart. Abigail, their daughter, agrees:

• Younger parents let kids experience life more directly.
• They’re more open about family struggles, including finances.

However, Abigail says being treated like a peer can be confusing. Sometimes she just wants a parent, not a friend.

Breeanne’s Perspective

For Abigail’s sister Breeanne, having young parents meant receiving advice that was relevant and relatable.

“My parents know what I’m going through,” she says. “Even my friends confide in them.”

Isidro’s Story: A Conscious Choice

Isidro, now 28, wanted to grow up with his child. He took on full custody and embraced his parenting role early on.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with my son,” he says. “I changed diapers, gave baths, and learned to be responsible.”

Advice for Others

Although he has no regrets, Isidro emphasizes the importance of readiness:

“The best thing to do is have a kid when you’re ready. Otherwise, you might resent them.”