Im 15 And me and my boyfriend have being planning on having a baby … im nervious but i know that im ready to have a child … should i go ahead with this and have one to bring me and my boyfriend even closer or would this make my life miserable?
Becoming a parent, while an amazing and joyful experience for a lot of people, is a huge life-changing responsibility. Having a baby at 15 could make things a lot harder — not easier — for you and your boyfriend, and wanting to feel closer as a couple is not a good reason to have a baby. Becoming parents will put a lot of stress on you, your boyfriend, and your relationship. It means that spending time with your child will take priority over going out with friends and other fun stuff you and your boyfriend might like doing now. It might mean putting your school and career plans on hold. Ask yourself:
- Am I ready to help a child feel wanted and loved?
- Am I ready for a tighter budget, less time for myself, and more stress?
- Am I ready to accept responsibility, 24/7, for all my child’s needs?
- Can I afford to have a child — from diapers to college tuition?
- What would it mean for my future and my family’s future if I had a child now?
- Would I prefer to have a child at a different time?
- Can I handle the experience of pregnancy and raising a child?
Kids need a lot of stuff, like clothes, diapers, food, and health care. But a lot of what they need isn’t material — your time, your energy, your love, and your attention. Even the most mature 15 year old in the strongest relationship will struggle to provide all of that. It’s okay if you think you and your boyfriend would make a great parenting team one day. Waiting until you’re old enough to provide for a child is one of the best parenting decisions the two of you can make together.
Tags: pregnancy, baby, parenting, teen pregnancy