A Day in the Life
of a Young Parent
In celebration of Young Parents Day of Recognition on August 25th, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ) and Bold Futures launched A Day in the Life of a Young Parent; a digital archive that honors and uplifts the experiences of young parents and families.
By shedding light on the daily joys and challenges that young parents face, together we can dismantle negative stigmas and create an intentional space where young parents and families are supported and celebrated.
Karla
– Karla
“I am a reflection of my inner child and current adult. The person who I was then, and the person who I am now contributed to the parent I am today. I learned to reconnect to my inner child as a parent, I relearned patience, and I’m unlearning stigma. Self awareness has helped me educate myself more about me, in results to be a better me for my daughter.”
Nubia
Society and those around you will tell you that your 20s are meant for traveling, partying, and graduating college. At times, these social expectations make me feel like I am missing out. Each day I remind myself, that I am right where I am supposed to be. Besides, who says I can’t enjoy my 20s while also being the best parent I can be to my daughter?
While certain chapters of my life might take longer to reach, it does not mean I won’t get there. Now, I have someone to accompany me on my journey.
“As the days go by I constantly remind my daughters that it is important to stand up for yourself and your community no matter if it’s your family, friends, or providers.”
–Amelia
What is Young Parents Day of Recognition?
In 2012, New Mexico Established a Young Parents Day of Recognition thanks to the work of Young Women United (now Bold Futures). The day was designated to honor the experiences of young parents and their families. Following in their sisters’ footsteps, in 2017 CLRJ worked with California’s legislature to also designate August 25th as Young Parents Day of Recognition. Uplifting the needs and contributions of young parents and their children through this day of recognition begins a long term commitment to building a future where all types of parents and families are supported and celebrated.
