how old should one be, to start thinking about this next step???
2007-12-07 08:33:23 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
i recommend over 23.
but these things are more important:
do you have a committed partner who will help?
do you support yourself and could you alone affort to support you and baby if the partner left?
do you have a good place to live and good plans for day care if you work?
do you have your education? because it's really hard to get after you have the responsibility of a baby.
are you ready to give up your freedom, parties, etc. for 24/7 responsiblity for a helpless baby?
most people are at least 23 before they have these things, that's why i picked 23.
2007-12-07 08:37:11 · answer #1 · answered by Sufi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's really a personal choice. But the question shouldn't be "how old?" It should be, "Am I really ready?"
First, are you in a committed, long-term relationship? This is important because it has been proven that children do better in two-parent households. Second, do you make enough money? Third, do you have a suitable place to live? Preferably a place you pay for on your own or with your significant other, either renting or paying a mortgage. Fourth, after the baby is born, do I have a child care plan? (Stay-at-home, day care, nanny) This is related to the money issue.
There are a lot of other things, but unless you are a teenager, age isn't the issue. If you're a teenager, please don't get pregnant! You're too young!
2007-12-07 08:41:03 · answer #2 · answered by bffer1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Age isn't the question unless you are concerned with birth defects and then it's best to wait until 17 and no older than 35. But the main thing is to be stable and be able to provide physically and emotionally for a child. Most people don't think about both. Money isn't everything, but love doesn't pay the bills.
You should be finished with your education, emotionally stable, and financially ready for the responsibility first.
2007-12-07 08:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by carinabck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be at least 20 to have a kid cause anything under that is wrong! To take the next step probably 16 but try not to get pregnant. You should b thinkin' bout college anyway. If you're gonna bring a kid in this world at least have a good job and be able to take care of it properly
2007-12-07 08:42:38 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Lana Rose♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next step? To WHAT???
How about finishing school, having a career, finding a husband, THEN worry about having a baby.
Children are much better off when they are raised by 2 parents who are able to support a family. Not a single mother, no father, little means of support, and limited opportunities for...anything!!!
Babies are not toys....raising a child is hard work, costs a lot of money and is not something to be taken lightly.
2007-12-07 08:39:50 · answer #5 · answered by Sally G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be in a stable relationship.. Preferably married, or long-term partnered. You should have some savings because babies are expensive. And you should be done with college if you attend, and have a stable job. The most important thing is, you need to understand that a baby is forever. Age is of no concern as the responsibility of the parents.
2007-12-07 08:38:05 · answer #6 · answered by Rinoa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like 21 or 22
2007-12-07 09:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Can afford to take care of this child completely by myself?
2. Do I have a safe environment to raise the child in?
3. Can I afford doctor's visits, medicine, hospital visits, formula, food, clothes, toys, bedding, and other extra stuff for the baby?
4. Are both parents ready both financially and mentally for a child?
5. Are both parents going to be responsible for the child?
6. Are you having the child because you want a child to enrich your life, not because you want your partner to stay with you?
If you can ask yourself those questions and answer YES without a doubt, then you are on your way to being ready.
2007-12-07 08:50:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there is really no certain age as long as you are out of high school, have a good income and are matrue and financially stable to raise a kid. I am 21 and have a kid, I was 18 when I got pregnant and engaged, I am now married. I have a good Job and I pay my own bills and my taxes. I am not a "club rat" nor do I hang out in bars.
2007-12-07 08:37:51 · answer #9 · answered by remedy9874 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that it's all about age... When you find a partner that you love and you know will help out with your child, you have the money to take care of him/her, and you have a stable job and home... I believe that's when your ready to take this wonderful step in life : )
2007-12-07 08:38:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋