“I’m Proud I Had a Baby at Fourteen”: Teen Mum Who Made Her 31-Year-Old Mother One of Britain’s Youngest Grandmas Says She Has “No Regrets”
A girl who became a mother at just 14 says she is proud of her journey — and believes having her daughter so young has pushed her to stay focused on school, career goals, and proving that teenage mums can thrive.
Jaymee Starr, from Coventry, welcomed her daughter Harleigh in August 2013. In a remarkable family twist, Jaymee’s own mother, Tobii Rhea Starr, was also pregnant at the time — expecting her sixth child at only 31 years old.
“People used to see me — a pregnant 14-year-old — standing next to my beautiful mum and assume we were sisters who happened to be expecting at the same time,” Jaymee said. “Mum became a grandmother for the first time and a mother of six at 31. She loved being a young nan.”
Now 16, Jaymee is studying business administration while raising Harleigh and helping her mother with her younger siblings. “Some girls my age get pregnant and rely on benefits — but that’s not me,” she said. “My daughter comes first, then my education. University is my next goal.”
Jaymee always knew her mum was younger than most. “Mum had me at 16. She told me I wasn’t planned, but that I was her blessing. She’s raised six children, always worked, and handled everything so well. I’ve always looked up to her.”
Everything changed when Jaymee missed three periods at 14. “I was terrified and went straight to Mum,” she said. Tobii — then eight months pregnant — was with her when the test showed positive. “She asked me what I wanted to do. I was crying, completely shocked. Ending the pregnancy crossed my mind, but after Mum explained what it meant, I couldn’t do it.”
Doctors confirmed she was already more than 16 weeks along. Despite the fear, Jaymee chose to continue the pregnancy.
Tobii, now 33, remembers the moment vividly. “I was stunned, but I knew my job was to support her. Being pregnant together actually brought us closer — we went to scans and midwife appointments side by side.”
Jaymee transferred to Whitmore Park Baby Unit, a specialist school for young mothers that offers childcare on-site. “Without that school and without Mum, I don’t know where I’d be,” she said. “Carers watched Harleigh while I studied, and at lunchtime I would go and feed her. Knowing she was just a few doors away made me work even harder.”
In March 2013, Tobii gave birth to her son, Rylee, weighing an impressive 11lb. “Holding him made everything feel real,” Jaymee said. “Mum taught me everything — how to change nappies, make bottles, settle a newborn.”
Just five months later, Jaymee went into labour. With her mother and grandmother supporting her, she delivered her daughter naturally, weighing 7lb 2.5oz. “Mum became one of Britain’s youngest grandmas at 31,” Jaymee said proudly.
At home, both new mums leaned on each other. Tobii guided her daughter through the early weeks and sleepless nights. Six weeks later, Jaymee returned to school, walking through the gates every morning with Harleigh’s pram.
“In just six weeks, I went from pregnant teenager to a new mum back in class,” she said. “I didn’t want to let my mum, my daughter, or myself down.”
Jaymee completed her GCSEs and is now working toward a Business Administration qualification. Her little brother and daughter — born only months apart — are growing up more like siblings.
“I’m in my final year of college now, and Harleigh is almost three,” she said. “People are shocked when they learn I’m a mum and that my own mother became a gran at 31 — but I wouldn’t change anything. Having Harleigh made me grow up, take responsibility, and stay focused. I want other teen mums to see that you can stay in school and still build a future.”
Tobii couldn’t be more proud. “When I learned Jaymee was pregnant, I panicked — but I promised myself I wouldn’t lose her,” she said. “Being pregnant together actually made things easier. She’s been amazing, especially going back to school so quickly. I never imagined I’d be a grandmother at 31 — but I adore it. My granddaughter is beautiful, and I think we’ve broken a few records!”
