is 18 too early to have a child???

Question

if I really wanted a baby at 18 and i had the money to raise one, would it be too early still or wrong? how old were u when u had yours???

ok well i have a man of three years and we always sit around doing nothing when were not in school but we have the money to raise a child so i dont think it would effect going out! but will the child get TOO expensive???

Answer 1

Your age has absolutely nothing to do with having a baby. I have seen 35 year olds who should have never become mothers. I have seen 14 year olds being great mothers. Having a baby is a HUGE responsibility, never mind the expense. Once you become a parent it changes your life completely. I am not going to say a lot of negative things to dissuade you from your decision, but consider being sick with the flu and having to take care of your baby who is sick and crying......profusely. Babies have no concern about how tired you are, how sleepy, how lonely, discouraged, etc. They don't have the capacity. Imagine trying to hold your baby, the diaper bag and an umbrella and trying to strap your baby in the car seat IN THE BACK SEAT. Imagine wanting so desperately to go out with your friends for a weekend stay, you have no one to commit to keep your precious little one. Imagine have only a few dollars left until payday and your baby has had diarrhea and has gone through all of his/her diapers and you need more. The love you get back is without question. The responsibility on the other hand is something you want to think about. Make sure, make sure, make sure that if you decide to have a baby at 18 or 28 that you can take care of it all on your own. Can you buy formula, clothing, diapers, sitter fees, medical expenses for at least the next 11 years? I say age 11 because at that age they can stay at home alone for a few hours and won't need a sitter. Babies are adorable, but at this age let it be just that.....adorable, from afar! Keep someone else's baby for 2-3 days, you provide everything it needs, no outside help and see how it goes. If you want a baby because they are cute or because you are "in luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuvh" with some guy forget it! You are better off with a pet!

Answer 2

What's the rush? While money definitely helps, it's not the only thing a child needs. Think of all the world experience you'd be able to give your child if you waited say 7-10 years. I was 32 when I had my child. My 18 year old self was in no way ready for such a huge responsibility. With respect, I'm not saying you aren't. I'm just saying why not explore what the world has for you first, so you can share it with your child. Have you thought of college, junior college, or trade school? What about traveling?

My sister had her children when she was young. She was 20 with her first. She wishes she could go back now, but can't find the time. Not going to college is her biggest regret. Please, take more time to think about this. Good luck.

Edited to say:
Here you can calculate what it will cost you to raise your child(ren).
http://www.babycenter.com/costofchild/

Here's some tables with the cost estimated:
http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/family/kids/tlkidscost.asp

Answer 3

Yes 18 is WAY to young to have a baby... and I don't know anyone 18 years old that had enough money to raise one. You are going to change so much in the next few years - I would wait until you are married or more mature to take care of a baby on your own.

Answer 4

You should wait until you are at least in your mid to late 20's. Having a baby is a life time commitment and that child becomes your first priority. Be sure that you are ready to make that commitment. Being so young, you might have some resentment towards the child because you will be sitting at home in your 20's, wishing you could go out with your friends but you can't...you've got another life to care for.

Answer 5

I think it's nice having kids at a young age you can grow up with them and have fun with them I was 18 when I had my 1st child if you have the money and you feel your ready I think it's alright don't let people judge you do whatever makes you happy you only live once

Answer 6

If you and ur mate feel like you're ready then go for it. I actually got pregnant when i was 16 and had my baby when i was 17. It was hard being in school but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. If you truely want a baby and are serious about it, then go for it. don't let other peoples opinions hold ya back hun.

Answer 7

I'm assuming u wants this baby for good reasons. talk into account though, whos the babies father going to be? can u be there mentally too? is there a strong support system for all of you? you have to think about this before. and ask yourself, do u have all of lifes expierence that is needed for raising a child?....

Answer 8

Well you are considered an adult, and it sounds like you really want a child. So it seem like your going to be a great mother, is there going to be a daddy in the picture? Because that is very important. I'm 21 and i don't have any children, but i would love to have kids one day.

Answer 9

had my son 1 month before I turned 19. I am now 35. I think I would have waited, but was p.o.'d at my mom so I had the child.
I missed SOOOO much and even though I love my child, if I had it to do over again I would wait til I was 25 or so.

Answer 10

It is not to young but it can be real hard sometimes as I am 28 and I have 3 of my own kids and the my husband has 2 of his kids and I will say it can be real hard at times