Young and Playful: The Nava Family’s Experience

When Margaret Nava, now 23, is out with her 6-year-old son Tony, people often mistake her for his sister. Tony, however, proudly responds, “No, she’s my mom.”

Margaret embraces being a young parent, actively engaging in play with Tony and his friends. “My parents were older, and they didn’t play with me like I play with Tony,” she says. “If I were older, I probably wouldn’t understand half the things he does.”

Psychologist Amy Stark affirms the benefits of youth in parenting: younger parents often retain a playfulness that connects well with children. Additionally, starting a family early means completing the most demanding parenting years before turning 40.

The Psychological and Emotional Struggles

Despite the upsides, early parenthood comes with challenges:

• Young mothers may struggle with identity development.
• Couples who marry after having a child often face fragile relationships.
• Young parents may lack financial stability or career direction.

Arthur Kovacs, a Santa Monica psychologist, adds that while teens are physically ready for parenthood, psychological readiness comes later. He notes that relationships built gradually tend to fare better.

National Perspective on Teen Parenthood

• According to a 1987 survey, 80% of 18- to 22-year-olds saw teenage parenthood as a negative outcome.
• Only 15% of mothers aged 17 and younger reported their pregnancy as planned.

Margaret Nava’s Journey

Margaret became a mother at 17 during her senior year of high school. Her partner left when Tony was just 10 months old. Fortunately, her nearby family stepped in to help.

• Her mother provides childcare while Margaret works (and is paid for her help).
• Her brothers, Danny and Richard, serve as male role models for Tony.

Margaret completed high school between feedings and worked part-time to buy baby necessities. Later, she pursued training as a medical assistant while juggling a packed schedule:

• 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Phone operator job
• 2:30 – 7 p.m.: Medical assistant classes
• Evenings: Dinner, parenting, homework until midnight

She admits to feeling overwhelmed at times, missing out on teenage milestones like her senior trip. But she now has more stability and gratitude for motherhood:

“Without Tony, I think I’d be off partying… Tony and I live really comfortably, and we’re happy.”

The Doughertys: Planning for Young Parenthood

Linda Dougherty planned to have children young and became pregnant at 20. “I wanted to have fun with them, versus there being a big generation gap,” she says.

Though Linda felt prepared, her 21-year-old husband Walter struggled to adapt. He lacked a career and hadn’t attended college, making financial support difficult. “Babies frightened him,” says Linda.

Walter Reflects:

• He initially avoided responsibility.
• He worked instead of going to school to support his family.
• Now, both work in sales and marketing.

The Impact on Their Children

Linda believes children of young parents become independent more quickly. “Younger parents do things older parents wouldn’t, like bringing a 6-week-old to the beach.”

Abigail Dougherty (18):

• Sees younger parents as helping kids become more “street-smart.”
• Believes older parents are more protective.
• Feels emotionally involved in her parents’ issues, which can be confusing.

Breeanne Dougherty (19):

• Values her parents’ relevant and timely advice.
• Feels comfortable being honest and open with them.
• Enjoys a strong, supportive family dynamic.