Why do people stereotype YOUNG MUMS and SINGLE PARENTS?

Question

People automatically assume that

Young parents, are single, on benefits, and rough, and cant raise their kids properly

and

Single parents, had a one night stand, are also on benefits and cant raise their kids properly

People really p**s me off when they either stare at you, or are so obviously talking about you, and its not me being paranoid.

For those people who do judge, I would like to say!-

I AM 19

I AM married

I DO work and so does my husband

We do NOT claim ANY benefits

And I am a very proud parent, and wouldn't change it for the world

I think for all those people who make these comments and give those looks, need to think before they do it, as it is such a stereotype, and is really quite cruel to do, as it is not always right.

Just because of age, or the persons circumstances does not mean that they cannot be a good parent.

Answer 1

yeah except the reason you got responses about your age is because you put down other mothers for bottle feeding, did you expect to get only nice replies. I gave you a mean reply and I am a young mother myself. I don't really know where you get off calling other people small minded when you yourself are the most small minded person I have seen post on here.

Answer 2

im happy for you. i really am. But you're in the minority very very tiny minority. And really if people don't know someone they really can't judge them so they are wrong doing that. and especially if you're a white girl with a black guy... probably 99.99% of those couples are young, stupid, poor by choice and not married yet taking taxpayer dollars because they're too lazy to work... I understand where you're coming from, i've been discriminated against in job opportunitys only becuase of where i lived... The boss actually told me outright that he didn't hire people who lived where i lived. I didn't get mad at the boss because i understand its the other people who gave me the bad name... we need to be mad at the right people too. all those other mixed race couples (black guy, white girl, young, w/kids on welfare) are the reason for your problems now.

Answer 3

Personally, I do sterotype single mothers and young mothers.  That's just the way I am.  I believe a good, solid foundation begins at  home with a Mother and a Father.  I am not married yet nor do I have children but I make SURE my children have a solid Father in their life. I have been with my b/friend of 4 yrs and he's a solid man as they come.  We both work full-time and I think EVERYONE that can work should be contributing to society and NOT living of the system.  I get very frustrated when a female gets pregnant w/out thinking and then thinks "oh well, I'll get financial help" people need to grow up.

Answer 4

Realistically speaking in this day and age the MAJORIY right are NOT good role  models that is plainly why many yes many do stereotype. See for yourself out there in the world.

I can go on about how the minority are good mums but to some people its more like a 'so-what?' You cant possibly think that all young mothers at the age of 19 are 'good-role models'.

Answer 5

Is this Yet another rant to tell everyone how great you are for breastfeeding and how great your life is ...personally its NOT like this for every teen mum so get off your high horse !

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Answer 6

I completely agree with you. Some young parents do a better job than a person older than them.  Age does not make you a good or bad parent.

Single parents are one thing that shouldn't be judged at all. There are dads that skip out once the baby is born- and this happens at any age- and what is the mum supposed to do? Put him on a leash and drag him back? If he really wants to go, there isn't any stopping him. Single parents work harder to provide what two parents do, and I think they deserve a lot of credit for that. Until you understand what someone else has been through, I don't think you're qualified to give dirty looks or rude comments.

Answer 7

Here she goes again.

You expect people not to judge you, yet you so immaturely judge others.  For those who haven't seen it already, see her other question.

I would have considered you to be a decent parent if I hadn't read your previous postings.  I can't lump all young parents together, but you have demonstrated a great lack of maturity.  If you want others to treat you with respect, perhaps you should learn to extend the same courtesy to them.

*ETA* Thanks to Autism's Beautiful Face for providing the link to your question about what kind of WELFARE you can get - hmm, how interesting, especially after your high and mighty rant!