The elder sister of a missing 37-week pregnant 14-year-old has asked for compassion for teenage mothers saying that they can be “wonderful.”
Natasha Boko, 14, went missing from her north-east Melbourne home around 4am on Monday.
It is reported that she may have run away with her boyfriend, who is not the father of her unborn child.
Natasha’s two sisters have taken to social media to plead for the safe return of the young girl saying that they fear the negative comments on social media about teenage mothers may be making it harder for Natasha.
“The judgmental comments could actually affect Natasha, if she’s reading them, so people need to focus on sharing the story or providing information” Anna Boko told The Age.
“I’m a young mother myself and I am a wonderful mother! There are plenty of young mums out there that do a lot better than some mums that are 30.”
Natasha's sister Anna Boko was herself a teen mum. Via Facebook.
Ms Boko gave birth when she was just 17 and has been actively going into various Facebook posts and asking negative commentors to withdraw their remarks.
“Her age should never determine how good of a mum she will be, I have many young mum friends and all of us love our children very much and do everything to keep them safe."
Natasha has been sighted around north-east Melbourne. Via Facebook.
Posts about Natasha's disappearance when she was 37 weeks pregnant have attracted hundreds of comments, many of them ridiculing her for being pregnant at such a young age.
Top Comments
Oh God sounds like this poor kid started life behind the eight ball. Having a baby will only make her life more complicated..her boyfriend is not the father..what a mess. Poor girl. I hope she is getting medical attention as needed and looks after herself. So sad.
Young mums can be good but not at 14
I think if there is sufficient support, they could potentially cope. I know this is the exception but my friend fell pregnant when she was 14 and delivered when she was 15. She finished her HSC through tafe and went to university. She's a high school teacher now. Her family were incredibly supportive which is why she did well.
Yes they can. Age is irrelevant. Her situation needs support not a critique.
Good and bad parents exist because of behaviour - not age.
I wish I was close to Melbourne and I would open my home to her. Let's hope someone caring sees her and gets her to reconnect with her sisters which seem more than caring.
xxxx big hugs to Natasha and her family xxxx
ask for help and you shall receive:)
Yes they can
It's much harder for them, sure. But age doesn't automatically guarantee success or failure
My best friend was pregnant at 14 and a mother at 15. Her son is 4 years older than mine. She is a goddamn parenting guru. Her boy is now 17. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. He is a fantastic kid. Just wonderful.