A WOMAN has gone viral after revealing she is now a parent to a 15-year-old girl despite being just 21 years old herself.
Sharing her story on social media, a mum known as Hunter voiced her concerns that nobody will take her seriously as a parent because of her young age and she already feels self-conscious when she’s with the teen at her school.
In a video she posted via TikTok last year, that has since been watched nearly eight million times, Hunter can be seen sharing her worries over her new parenting role – with the age gap between herself and the kid leaving viewers baffled.
She says: “Me driving down the road and realising I’m 21 with a 15-year-old. No other parents or staff members at her HS are gonna (sic) take me serious.
“I can already feel people asking me what grade I’m in when I go to her events… How am I going to teach her how to drive when I can barely get down the road.”
On seeing the video, a lot of people quizzed Hunter over her relationship with the teen after doing the math and working out that if she was the mum, she would have been six years old when she gave birth.
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"WERE SIX WHEN YOU HAD A BABY," quizzed one person, while another asked: “So you had her when you were 6 I’m so confused.”
Clearing up any confusion, Hunter explained that no she did not give birth at six years old – the 15-year-old is her step-sister who she filed for guardianship of, after both her parents died.
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Hunter explained in a follow-up video: "So many people in my comments want to know how I had a baby at 6 years old. I will answer that for you. The easy answer to that question is that I did not have a baby when I was six."
She added: "I recently filed for guardianship of my sister because our dad passed away in 2015 and her mum passed away a few months ago.
"And I thought the best way to keep my sister safe, happy and have all her needs and wants met was to move a couple of states over and live with me."
She shared: "I am 21, I'm a full-time college student and a full-time worker, but I still put Gracie ahead of my own. Like right now, I'm sitting in my car when all my friends are hanging out because she has practice and I don't want to leave her, which I'm very happy to do.
"I'm happy to sit here and see how big she's smiling when she comes out [of school] with all her friends."
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Hunter also addressed why she has decided to share her experience of being a guardian so young online, as she continued: “Some people were concerned that I was putting my trauma on TikTok for her to see and feel bad about, but she doesn't care…
“I'm happy that she lives with me and that she's safe. Another question I got was is this legal – yes, it's 100 per cent legal. In North Carolina at 21, I went and filed for guardianship and I was awarded it through the court.”
Hunter explained, however, that it’s “difficult” being a guardian at 21 – especially as she feels like she can be overlooked.
“Some people do not take me seriously, I am a 21-year-old raising a 15-year-old and I just graduated high school three years ago,” she said.
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However, she added that she wanted to help and inspire others in similar situations by sharing her experience.
“A lot of people commented or followed me who are also raising teenagers or young children at young ages. I think it's very interesting to see other people going through similar situations… it is very difficult raising a 15-year-old at 21, so maybe you can all laugh at it or something.”
Thousands commented on her post, with many people praising Hunter for taking on such a huge responsibility.
"You are a gift to this earth. A beautiful soul, I am so grateful y’all have each other," said one person.
Another commented: "What you’re doing for your sister is amazing and I have nothing but respect for you."
A third wrote: "What a great thing you are doing. You will have a bond like no other. All the best to you and your sister. Sorry for your losses."
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"Good for you for stepping up! Best of luck," added one more.
A teacher who came across her post reassured Hunter that she is already doing a great job. They said: "You’d be surprised, I have a few students that their siblings have guardianship and they’re the best parents."
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