Teenage pregnancy?

[dawn21207]

As many of you probably know, I am only 18 and have an (almost) 2 year old. I was just wondering how everyone feels about having babies so young, and if there are any other young mothers on here.

Thanks guys =)

[animikokala]

It's not something I'd generally say is a good idea, but I can't really talk, since my Da was 17 when my older sister was born, and 18 when I was born.  It's not so much how any of us feel about it, but what you feel about it that matters.  If you are caring for your child, and love them, then that's all that matters. 

My younger sister had my adorable little nephew when she was 16, but she doesn't take care of him at all. (She's too busy with her "rave" children.)  He's currently in the custody of his grandfather, but my older sister and her husband have convinced my younger sister to give them custody.  She (older sister) hasn't been able to have children, and they adore little Kai.  I'd prefer she have custody too, as he is constantly being moved around from his grandfather's house to his grandmother's house (divorced).  It would be more stable for him to be with my older sister.

[Cuppycake]

I was 17 when I had my oldest daughter. She will be 21 in December. I am very glad I had her young.

[JessieKateRose]

We need to teach teenagers much more about contraceptives and try harder to get them to consider adoption when they get pregnant as teens. The decision-making part of your brain isn't even fully developed until you're about 20, and you have NO way of being financially stable at that age. That being said, I do recognize that adoption is an extremely tough choice after you've carried a baby in your stomach for nine months.

[syntheticbeauty]

I'm 24 I have twins who are 3 turning 4 and a baby 1 turning 2.

I don't really have an issue with it, I do feel sad for some of the younger mothers. My mom was 13 when she had me and I know she dealt with a lot. 

[syntheticbeauty]

I don't think age really tells us when we are emotionally ready for kids.  I matured very fast and I had been working since age 16 a part time job and got married at 18 ( not due to pregnancy but just choice).

I got pregnant as a teen and I think I have done wonderful with my girls. My mother struggled raising me of course what 13 year old would be able to raise a baby.  But she did her best and as soon as she was able to work she did. She did her best and she made a few mistakes here and there, but the most important thing was that she gave her all.

I have met people who 30 that  have children and I honestly think they are clueless what to do. I agree with adoption but it's not easy for some to do. I wouldn't have ever been able to.

[karenkpc]

my mother had me and my brother both at 18 (10.5 months apart).  I wouldn't advise it for many folks, but I do think it depends on the parents involved.  mine had a VERY difficult time with it.  I was pregnant at 18 and lost my child.  I would have kept it, though, and done my all to ensure the child's well-being, no matter what.

[SarahPunk]

I mainly disagree with teenage pregnancy because it's so hard to raise a family while trying to finish school (hopefully) and trying to provide financially. I don't believe teenagers are ready for that kind of responsibility both physically and mentally. I'm 22 and my son just turned 1. It's hard for us to provide financially, I can only imagine how hard it would be for a teenager. I say either don't have sex until you're ready for that kind of responsibility or learn to use contraceptives. Now that being said, for those who have had children extremely young. I don't believe they should be looked at any differently in public than people who are 50 and having children. So my view is definately against teenage pregnancy but when it does happen, then it's too late to be upset about it, the decision has already been made. So then it's time to become an adult and deal with the hand you have.

[AmyTrivitt]

I had my first daughter when I was 18 was pregnant with my pride and joy at 17. I do not regret it. But I also was living out on my own at this time in my life.

[dawn21207]

Thank you everybody for sharing your opinions. =)

I am very glad that I had my son, and I would never change it. I don't believe that I had to sacrifice anything. But I guess that is because of the fact that I was so mature when I had him.

Financially, we have been ok. We have had some struggles, but nowadays, who doesn't? We have always been able to get my baby everything he needs and wants.

Hearing stories about girls that have babies young, and decided to keep them, and then don't take care of them breaks my heart. I can't imagine carrying a baby for 9 months then not wanting to give it everything.

He is my reason for waking up super happy every single morning, even when I'm completely exhausted and can't think straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oz5GvjJz68    <-- Hehe sorry, I have to always show him off =)

[jkhanson]

Our daughter had our granddaughter when she was just 17 years old.

It was hard and certainly was not planned.  We were there for her and helped her, but she was "the mother"....we were/are the grands.  As parents we are here for our kids no matter how old they are.  That was a big help for our daughter.  Our granddaughter is now 14.

Our daughter finished high school and went to college.   If there had been a choice, she would have waited to have children until she was older. 

Of course we cannot imagine life without our granddaughter now.  But I would advise teenagers to wait to have children.

[makedoughonline]

Age is not the determining factor. If you are financially and emotionally ready for the baby at a young age and have a stable relationship with the baby's father, so be it. Otherwise, Not a good thing to do. Good luck!!!!!!!

[Valerie1979]

things happen.... we all know that.
I give teenage parents (and their parents) a lot of credit as it's HARD work to raise children and most of us in our late teens early 20's would not have wanted to give up what we thought was most important (movies, parties, friends, etc) to care for a baby.

BUT... I would agree it is likely best in most cases I would advise teens to wait.... have fun, enjoy their teens/early 20's and finish school if they desire, etc.

[sgluckadoo]

As many of you probably know, I am only 18 and have an (almost) 2 year old. I was just wondering how everyone feels about having babies so young, and if there are any other young mothers on here.

Thanks guys =)

I am sure it was not an easy thing to do. I myself cannot have children and would love to adopt a baby, but find the process and competition to adopt to difficult and frustrating.

[gesus]

Having kids at a young age , its something that many mistaken for a game