What makes a teenager incapable of raising a child?

Question

Would it change if he/she had a job and were no longer in school?

Answer 1

Teenagers are NOT incapable of raising children. In fact, only 2-3 generations ago, it was teenagers who were raising the world. Many of our grandparents were raised by their teenage parents. In addition, they more than likely weren't raising just one or two kids, they many have been raising 10 or 11! So, a teenager, by age alone..is not incapable of raising a child.

But..

There is a big difference between how we prepare teenagers in the world today, versus how teenagers were prepared 2-3 generations ago. Generations ago, it was expected that teenager raise children, and so teenagers were more prepared(mentally, at least) to raise kids than teenagers are today. Generations ago, there were no teen clubs, cellphones, afterparties, senior bashes, or all the fun "temptations" that a teen mother/father in today's world may resent having a child over. Generations ago, it was very difficult for most teens to get into college and get a well paying job. Today, nearly all teens can get some form of higher education and get a well paying job.

Bottom line, teenagers generations ago had children because it was expected of them, and there were virtually no other options for most of them, save going into the military. Today, teens have many options, most having to do with fun and relaxation, that they may resent if they have a baby during this exciting time in their lives. The resentment may cause them to act irresponsibily towards their child, and leave him/her, in order to go to the club or hang out. In addition, teens of yesteryear got married BEFORE they had children. In today's world, most people don't marry until age 24-28, and so many teens today have tons of dating options that weren't available generations ago. Before the internet, malls, coed schools, teens driving cars, clubs, and parties, if you met someone and fell in love, you were probably going to stay with that person. Today's teens meet lots of people, and leaving a wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend is very easy as a teenager because the options are so plentiful.

Teenagers can raise children, and many must because of decisions they have already made. Unfortunately, raising children as a teen eliminates most people's only chance in a lifetime for fun without bills and serious responsibilities.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say that a teenager is incapable of raising a child, that is more of a "can I physically do it". It depends on the age of the teenager and the maturity level. I often say to a 16 year old who wants to not take the advice of her parents, look back at when you were 12. If a 12 year old asked you now if she should start lying to her parents, from experience you might say .....no,I sure wish I didn't because it made my life a mess or anything a 12 year old might want to do. In hindsight, we can see so many things we would have not done. So if older than you people are giving you advice and they have concrete reasons why the teenager shouldn't raise a child, it might heed to pay attention if it comes from a good source. So much depends on the situation and all the factors and options. But if I had to answer in general, whether you think so or not, a teenager is not an adult. I taught elem school for 20 years and have a lot of background with kids. As I said, each case is individual, but there is an old saying : When kids are about 14, their parents seem to get really dumb,but about the time the kid is 22, the parents seem real smart again .......... who changed ?

Answer 3

If a teenager don't know how to grow up and don't realize that they are a parent so they have to do things for that child so that they can have a healthy and safe life.
Just because a teenager has a child does not make them incapable, first of all. If a teenager decide to keep a child that means that they love that child even if they are 16 and 17 years old. I know teenage mothers that take better care of their child than a grown *** woman! Well how do I know this? I got pregnant at 16. People thought that since I was a teenager that I couldn't not be a good parent. and that I was not going to finish school and go on off to college. Guess what I finished high school and is in the last years of college coming out with a master's in Business administrative with a child . What does that tell you about some teenager pregnancy

Answer 4

job might make it worse with out a high school diploma or these days a college degree the teen is almost doomed to a life of minimum wage which can't pay for much. Also there is little life experience and sometimes the teen is not done growing up yet and they are bad parents because they try to do things other young people do go to concerts often, clubs and party when you can't do that when you are a parent.
So teens are not incapable of being a parent but chances are they will be a bad one on less they make great sacrifices and have support from family. This does not always happen

Answer 5

In my opinion, that it what is wrong with the world today. Babies raising babies. Live your own life and learn, learn, learn, Then, you will be able to teach your child properly. I don't care for how SOME of the young parents say F F F in front of their children. The kids are learning every minute of the day. The isn't much respect anymore. It is not the child's fault, it is the young parents. I repeat - not all of them, a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. The BEST thing you can do is finish school , so you can get a good job and have a baby when you are ready for it.

Answer 6

First money. Next time. After that the responsibility that comes with it. You cannot juggle all at once. It is next to impossible.

Plus you want to go to school/college/university. With a kid to bring up, you end up sacrificing your future. Your career. Your everything. This basically ruins your life.

Anyone who says teen moms can't be good moms are plain wrong. If you take a close look, you will find there are plenty of moms out there in their teens, doing well. But it comes with commitment and pure dedication. Not everyone is same. Not everyone will understand the responsibility that goes with raising a child while you are still a teen. You can achieve anything if you REALLY want it and put your MIND into it.

If you are planning to become preg or if you are already a preg and a teen - I wish you luck in life. You can do it.

Answer 7

Yeah,m it would help if she were out of High school. A job helps. It can be done. Usually with support of family. But who would watch the baby while you were at work and you will be stuck in low paying jobs forever without at least a year or 2 of college. That is why people say that teenagers aren't capable of raising a child. It is just much harder for them

Answer 8

A teenager can raise a child, age has no restrictions on love and once the baby is born a teenager has not choice but to resume responsibility.

BUT there are social issues that means a teenager having children is not a good idea.

*Their body isn't full devloped.
*They have very little money, so the child grow up in poverty.
*It can effect the eductaion level of the parent, and then job, then money.
*The parent hasn't lived enough to 'give' the child life experince.

Answer 9

There is scientific research which indicates that teenagers are impulsive and unable to process information like adults. This might explain the behavior teenagers demonstrate when making decisions such as getting home on time or risking getting grounded by going home late. So, you can imagine what might happen when you add parenthood into the mix. While not ALL adults are responsible and effective parents, it is more likely an adult will have better coping skills (such as sacrificing his/her time for baby's needs). MOST teenagers are not equipped to handle the emotional and physical demands of parenting. And, how will you be able to raise a baby on minimum wage?

Answer 10

Immaturity, plain and simple. Not meant in this context as an insult but purely as a fact. A teenager is, in essence, a baby having a baby. A teenager has not reached a maturity level on any level.......mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. A teenager is all about ME..that is where the brain development is at this stage of life. Patience is very short, life experience is about nil, ability to see the bigger picure and how her/his behavior and choices will now affect a baby are short listed at best. Having a job and no longer in school really have not alot to do with it. Having the ability and maturity to raise a baby to a toddler to a school age child to a tween to a teen to an adult and all that encompasses is the picture here..........the chances are next to zero that this would be successful. And on a side note.....a pregnant teenager robs herself of her teenage years. Robs herself of the growing years that are so important.