If you had told me five years ago that I would be a single mother to two children at 21 years old, I would never have believed you. I first became a single mother last November. I was two months pregnant, and my daughter was just over a year and a half old. I have had a rollercoaster of emotions since, wondering if I made the right choice, not for me but for my girls.
 
To be in a relationship solely to keep a family together isn't a sustainable reason to stay.  Although, some may say this advice is subjective to the person and situation. As a human being who has grown up with split parents and blended families for as long as she can remember, I do believe that there is truth in two happier homes. I am thankful that my parents did not stay together for the sake of me and my siblings for many reasons. First of all, they are happy people, and they deserve to be the happiest versions of themselves because they are people too, not just parents. They both had the chance to meet new people who have become part of our families. Without them, I wouldn't have my younger siblings too. Both of my parents had the opportunity and succedded to show me what a healthy relationship should resemble. 
 
When I first left my ex-partner, I felt guilt. I felt the weight of my children's future on my shoulders. I also felt like another statistical teenage pregnancy that society for some reason looked down upon. There is no doubting single mothers are stigmatised more than fathers, especially at this age. I dreaded every midwife appointment and hospital visit. I will never forget lying in the ward at 34 weeks pregnant terrified for my life, feeling so alone amongst all of the happy couples. I wish I could hug that girl now and tell her how things were all going to work out better than she imagined. I look back and see a strong woman who left a bad relationship to give her babies a better life. I couldn't thank her enough.
 
I won't go into detail why I left my ex-partner. What I can tell you, however, is the power and influence of all relationships around a child can directly impact their development. The quality and stability of all future relationships that a child will form in their adolescence and thereafter  is not dependent on family structure. Healthy family relationships regardless of the nuclear structure are far more important for the well-being of a developing child.  I have faith in the fact that my girls too one day will thank me for leaving their father. I too one day will have the chance to show them what a healthy relationship should resemble.
 
I am grateful for the opportunities I can work hard to give my babies. I knew that becoming a single mother was a narrow path with many bumps to come. I understood the troubles I was going to face but regardless I am resilient. I refuse to back down to society's perception of how our lives should be. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get there on my own. I am endlessly appreciative of my circle of family and friends who support me. The truth is, becoming a single mother only ever made me stronger because I am in charge of my children's futures and I cannot wait to teach my girls how rich it is to be an independant woman.