The ABCs of Supporting Teen Moms

Homeschool

Audio By Carbonatix

In September 2001, I stood alongside a dozen women, waiting for the first teen mother to walk through the door of our new Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support group. After serving as the volunteer director at Hope Pregnancy Center for two years, I longed for a way to make a real difference in the lives of young mothers. When two teen moms arrived for that first meeting, we celebrated! By the third week, eight girls attended, and our group steadily grew.

Looking back today, it brings me such joy that our Teen MOPS group helped change so many lives. Each week, twenty to twenty-five young moms attended, and we regularly had over five dozen names on our roster. These young women came for connection, encouragement, and growth as they navigated motherhood. Many finished high school, some chose secondary virginity, and most importantly, many found a lasting relationship with Christ.

I’m so grateful for how God worked through that group, and now, I want to share the ABCs of supporting and guiding young moms. Whether you’re homeschooling, volunteering, or simply wanting to help a teen mom you know, here’s how you can make a difference!

A: Assemble a caring team.

Surrounding these young moms with support is key. Volunteers from local churches, community groups, and pregnancy centers can help hold babies, provide meals, and offer a listening ear. Homeschool families can be wonderful sources of mentorship for teen moms—consider opening your home or offering practical help.

B: Be diligent in understanding their needs.

Take time to learn about the unique challenges young mothers face. Read books on teen parenting, talk with former teen moms, or visit support groups to understand their struggles. Their obstacles may surprise you, and this knowledge will equip you to serve better.

C: Consider their practical needs.

When organizing meetings or offering support, remember the logistical details. Providing meals, transportation, and childcare helps alleviate some of the stress young moms face. Games and fun activities can help them connect with others, while speakers and mentors can address practical life skills.

D: Decide whom you want to serve.

Are you interested in reaching teen moms, single moms, or even young families? Our Teen MOPS group initially welcomed mothers aged 13-22, and we found that offering support to boyfriends, parents, and grandparents also made a big impact.

E: Earn their trust.

Trust is earned over time. Teen moms have often been let down by adults in their lives. Be consistent—if you promise something, follow through. Your reliability will make them feel safe.

F: Follow up.

Some moms will come to every meeting, while others may miss weeks at a time. Make it a priority to check in with those who haven’t been around. A call or even a simple “missing you” card can remind them they’re not alone.

G: Give special attention to their children.

Celebrate their babies! While others might offer judgmental looks, you can show these young moms that their children are precious. Rejoice in the new life God has created, and your encouragement will uplift the mothers as well.

H: Have open arms.

Teen moms don’t always say or do the “right” thing. They may lash out or act defensive, but your open arms and Christ-like love can provide the safe space they desperately need.

I: Invite input.

Ask for feedback from the moms themselves. What topics are important to them? From domestic violence to parental rights, their needs change. Including their voice helps the group stay relevant.

J: Judge not.

These young women may come in with tattoos, piercings, or less modest clothing, but we have no place to judge. As you love them, you’ll often see their hearts—and sometimes even their appearance—soften over time.

K: Keep the community involved.

Partner with local organizations, including churches and pregnancy centers, to provide funding, resources, and opportunities. The community benefits from seeing the positive impact this support makes on young lives.

L: Listen to your heart.

When you sense something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a mom who seems downcast or overwhelmed, take her aside and offer a listening ear. Often, just being heard makes a world of difference.

M: Make sure to seek expert advice.

Partnering with organizations like MOPS International is invaluable. They provide guidance, resources, and expert advice. We used their materials to help build a solid foundation for our group.

N: Never allow gossip.

Young women, especially in vulnerable situations, are prone to share too much. Set clear boundaries about gossip, and protect each woman’s privacy by taking prayer requests to trusted individuals who can lift them up in prayer.

O: Open the floor for discussion.

After each meeting, give the young moms a chance to share. Creating a safe space for them to talk about their concerns helps build a sense of community and trust.

P: Provide for their practical needs.

Many teen moms struggle financially. We offered practical help like diapers, wipes, and baby supplies through our “Earn While You Learn” program, where moms could earn these items by attending meetings and participating.

Q: Question how each leader can serve best.

Leaders have different gifts. Some excel in mentoring young moms; others prefer helping behind the scenes or in childcare. Encouraging leaders to serve where they feel comfortable ensures everyone is working in their strengths.

R: Require responsibility.

Teen moms are given opportunities to help set up meetings, clean up, and participate actively in the group. This not only helps them feel valued but also teaches responsibility.

S: Set boundaries.

It’s important for leaders to set boundaries. While we want to help, we aren’t available 24/7, and it’s okay to say no to certain requests. Boundaries protect both the leaders and the moms.

T: Trust they are listening.

Even when they seemed distracted or uninterested, I found that the young moms were often paying attention. Months later, I heard them referencing past conversations, and it reminded me that our words did sink in.

U: Use resources they connect with.

In 2015, we partnered with MOPS to write Teen Mom: You’re Stronger Than You Think. The book focuses on the specific needs of teen moms, and while the world has changed since then, this resource still offers encouragement.

V: Visualize their future.

What dreams do these young moms have for themselves and their children? Help them set goals and imagine their lives five years down the road. Encouraging them to plan for their future can be incredibly motivating.

W: Weigh your motives.

It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results, but remember to trust God’s timing. Ask yourself, “Am I focusing on what God is doing, or on what I want to see?”

X: Xpect challenges.

There will be opposition whenever we’re doing God’s work, but keep praying for the young moms, their babies, and your team of leaders. God is faithful!

Y: Yield to “good enough.”

Perfection isn’t required—God works through our imperfections. As long as you show love, you are making a difference. In your weakness, God’s strength will shine.

Z: Zero in on their hearts.

When a young mom drops out of school or faces challenges, it’s easy to feel defeated. Instead, focus on her heart. Even if you don’t see immediate change, God’s love can transform lives over time.

Whether you’re a homeschool mom looking to make a difference in your community or you simply know a teen mom who needs support, remember that God can use you to encourage, guide, and show His love from A to Z. Every effort, big or small, makes a lasting impact.

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

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