Rebecca Phefley wouldn’t swap motherhood for teen life anyday, writes Danielle Frazzetto
The brightness of the red and orange furniture and rainbow origami in Mill Park’s EDGE youth centre complements the rosy cheeks a of three-year-old Jade Phefley.
Sitting on the lap of her 20-year-old mother Rebecca, Jade happily takes multiple snaps of herself and her mum with a mobile phone.
It comes as no surprise when Phefl ey describes her daughter as her best friend. “Because I am so young I feel I can relate to her and I can get down on the ground with her and play.
‘‘My life is a lot better in general because I have her – she makes me really happy. If I didn’t have Jade I’d be out like most teenagers, partying all the time and not having the best life.
My life is the opposite to that; I’m at home, and I really enjoy it.” Phefley left school when she fell pregnant and relocated from Rosebud, in the Mornington Peninsula, to Epping when she was 16.
She is now finishing high school through the Young Mums VCAL program at community educator PRACE (Preston/Reservoir Adult Community Education). The young mum counts herself lucky.
“I think all new mums have trouble with certain things. But I was lucky to have my family’s support, with my own mum and aunty in Epping. I’ve had a lot of advice and I didn’t find it as hard as what I think other mums would have.”
Describing herself as quite shy, Phefley remembers being reluctant to accept youth development officer Kristy Jaycock’s suggestion for her to attend a young mums playgroup.
“I met Kristy at the Lalor Library and she was telling me about the playgroup and it sounded really good for me and Jade. I was hesitant at the start, like most would be, but I thought it would be good for Jade to socialise with other children. It ended up being really good for me as well.
‘‘All the mums are really nice and it’s great to share experiences with one another and to see all the kids grow up.”
Phefley encourages other young mothers to attend the funded playgroup at Boori Children’s Centre.
The playgroup provides free play, lunch, crafts, singing, readings and excursions for mums aged between 16 and 23.
“It’s definitely worth going and seeing at least once, because it’s really good.”
Young Mums Playgroup runs from 10am–noon every Monday from June 11 at the Boori Children’s Centre, 21a Winchester Avenue, Epping. Details: call 9404 8800 or visit whittleseayouth.com.
