My Journey as a Young Carer: Navigating Life's Challenges at 15
Hey everyone, it’s Frankie, and I’m here to share my challenges with you. At
just 15 years old, I find myself balancing the responsibilities of a young carer
alongside the typical challenges of teenage life. It’s a journey filled with ups
and downs, but through it all, I’ve learned and grown in ways I never imagined.
A Day in the Life
My day usually starts very early, as I help my mum with her morning routine
before heading off to school. From preparing breakfast to making sure she’s
comfortable, my mornings are filled with so many tasks that I feel as if ive
completed a full day before most my classmates have even ate breakfast. Once
I’m at school, its kind of a blur of getting to my lessons and seeing my friends.
But even at school, my mind often wanders back home, worrying about my
mum and what else I have to get done when I’m home on top of homework.
The Struggles We Face
Being a young carer isn’t easy. There are days where I feel like I’m all alone and
there’s too much responsibilities, and I still wonder if I’m doing enough for my
family. Balancing looking after my mum with school is hard, and I’m beginning
to fall behind. The constant worry about my mum’s health adds an extra layer
of stress, making it hard to focus on anything else. I can’t make plans with
friends like a typical teenager as my mum needs my help as often as possible.
Finding Strength in Community
Despite the challenges, I’ve realised that I’m not alone. Through platforms like
Bridgit Young Carers Support, I’ve found resourced that help me understand
my situation properly without feeling ashamed. I feel encouraged to stay
strong and keep my mum happy, making my family happy too. I’m grateful to
have found Bridgit and to know that I’m not alone and there’s help out there.
Embracing the Journey
While being a young carer has its tough moments, it’s also taught me valuable
lessons about compassion, resilience, and the importance of family. I’ve
learned to cherish the small moments and appreciate the love and support
that surrounds me.
So here’s to embracing the journey. I hope you all know how much of an
amazing job you’re doing, keep it up! And to everyone reading this, thank you
for taking the time to hear my story.
Until next time,
Frankie
