Jamie Lynn Spears on Motherhood
And Words of Caution for Teens Contemplating Pregnancy
The news of the "Zoey 101" star's pregnancy came as a shock last December. Coming on the heels of sister Britney's custody issues with her own children, the family suffered another surprise as the 16 year old announced her pregnancy and plans to raise the child.
Barely a month after giving birth, Jamie Lynn Spears told OK! magazine that being a mother was "so much fun." OK! magazine had the rights to the first photos of Spears's daughter and reportedly spent $1 million to do so. She also stated that she has never been happier and plans to raise her daughter in Mississippi where she and Aldridge share a home. "The focus is on family...and it is a good way to live." She says of the South.
While we can be happy that Jamie Lynn kept her child and is happy raising her, there is a bigger issue at stake. Going on the cover of a magazine and giving glowing reports of teenage motherhood is very dangerous in our current culture. Take the teen pregnancy pact, for instance. I wonder how many of those girls really thought it through.
Jamie Lynn is a very unusual teenage mom. She, most likely, has a good nest egg set aside from her four seasons as the star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101." Not many teenagers have worked like that and were paid as much as she was. In all probability, Jamie Lynn Spears owns her home, has hired help to do things such as laundry, cooking, and possibly has a nanny- even if it is just for the nighttime. If she wants to finish high school, go to college, et cetera, Jamie Lynn Spears certainly has the money and wherewithal to do it.
How many teenagers can say the same?
As a mom, not a teenage one, I found life with a baby wonderful but a lot of work. I did not have a maid, nanny or cook and my life was very busy. I lost a lot of sleep due to night feedings and general fussiness. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my daughter but teenage moms do not necessarily have that option.
For teenagers considering the joys of motherhood, reflect on this: daycare is expensive and can run on an average of $800 or more a month. How about rent? Car payment? Health insurance for your child and you? Groceries? What happens to school attendance? Will you quit school to work? Will you be able to support yourself and your child on minimum wage? Do you have aspirations of college? And what about the child? What happens if your child turns out to be fussy and demand a lot of attention? Do you have the strength and maturity to get up and take care of the child all night long and then get up the next morning for work? Life with a child is a blessing but it is NOT an easy, fairytale road.
Jamie Lynn Spears has only been a mom for a few weeks. Let's check back in on her in a few months.
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Published by Carol Wilkins
I am a speech communications professor who dabbles in writing and research. View profile
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23 Comments
Post a CommentGreat article :) Sheri
You are so very right! A fabulous read!
Graet reporting. She is fortunate to have many resources to help her but I agree most teens do not. Motherhood is never easy and patience is key which I think young girls have not really learned.
You're right that teenage motherhood should not be seen as an ideal aspiration for the average teenage girl who gets pregnant. But many girls are able to make a success of parenting their children despite the many obstacles they come across.
Sophie
Great Job :)
Very nice article :)
excellent job and wish her the best!
And I didn't mean to imply that Jamie Lyn is not a "real" mom. She is but her reality may be far different than that of many. That is really what I was trying to say.
I'm so glad you pointed out that being a relatively wealthy and famous teenage mom may be far different than that of real teenage moms. I know because I volunteer with them at a homeless shelter. They love their children but poverty, being single (a fair number divorce or have children out of wedlock) and struggling to provide basic health and other care for their children takes a toll. Jamie Lyn is (as you point out so well) not the norm.
It could go either way; some teens can handle it but sadly, most can't and then the parents (grandparents) are left with the responsibility. It's something that I see all the time. Teen girls think having a baby is so cute and fun that they don't stop to think about the financially side of things. It's not just about formula and diapers, its about the things that it will need for the next 18 - 21 years.