Inteview of a house wife

She’s a thirty nine year old mother of 5. I interview her in her kitchen; she comes in the room holding her nephew on her shoulder as he eats a cookie.

Sorry it took me so long, I’m baby sitting for my daughter. You know it seems like my job never ends. Now a day it seems everyone is having babies. My youngest daughter is in high school, I take her to school everyday, and everyday it seems like another pregnant girl is walking to the same school. I’m not one to talk you know I got pregnant when I was 18. A freshman in high school I had of drop out. In my time there wasn’t much else to do, my family never told me how important education was. My mom never taught me about other options. All I knew was what my friends were doing, getting pregnant then married.
You know today its different, there are so many other options, I tell all of my children if they want to go to school I will help them. I encourage my children, you know today there are scholarships, loans and grants and the information is everywhere. It wasn’t like that back then. My oldest daughter got pregnant at 20, I mean I wish she would’ve gone to college first but things happen. She says she’s going back this year, I sure hope she does. One of my daughters is in college now, a very smart girl she is, I’m very proud of her. I’m proud of all my children.

The baby begins to cry; she goes to a room and returns after 10 minutes after putting him to sleep.

It’s hard taking care of children. I was 15 when I had my first. Two years later I had my second, and now I have 5. I never regretted having my children; I love them dearly. You know I never been to a party or a club, I don’t even know what they look like. I wish I could’ve enjoyed my life more, I guess it’s never too late though. All of my children are grown now; I just don’t know where to start.
I been with the same man for 20 years, I love him dearly, and I miss him much. He passed not that long ago you know. Everyone tells me that I should go out, have fun but with who, where? It’s not as easy as it seems.

If you were able to tell your children, or any young adults a lesson learned from your perspective what would it be?

Like I tell my children all the time, you must enjoy your life before you get tied down. Go out have fun, go to school, get an education, travel, and experience everything you ever wished for. Do not ever feel as if you have limits to anything because you do not. The world is a huge place with so many opportunities; explore them.
Too many children and teenagers are in a rush to grow up, what I would tell them is why! The only thing to look forward to is bills and responsibilities (laughs). My main concern is enjoying life to the fullest and that’s it.

The baby begins to cry and it’s feeding time with that the interview ends.