2011-02-08, 10:58 PM
Let people do what they want, within reason. People in poverty should not have children. People with a history of violent crime should not have children. Cases like these are just 'accidents' waiting to happen. I would not go as far as to suggest legislature though. It would be increadibly difficult to enforce without breaking human rights and really wouldn't accomplish much. That said, I don't discriminate against age. I know 14 year olds more responsible and mature than 18 year olds. You can make generalizations all you want, but I cannot back a blanket statement "anyone with kids under the age of ** is doing something wrong".
I have no intention of having kids any time soon. Children are tough and expensive sh'it, man. But my mom and dad had me at 38 and 47 respectively. If my parents were both in their 30s and 40s now, I might have a different opinion. Now that I think about it, my parents are borderline crazy. "You are not going to date until you're 16" started with 1st grade, and I get an earful of sexism everytime I'm in my car with my dad and he sees a female driver.
tl;dr: Have kids when you think you can / want to take responsibility for them. Plenty of people are bad parents in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. I don't care if you're 17. As long as you can raise your kids properly, go for it. Me? No thanks. I'll wait a while. (read: forever ronery)
I have no intention of having kids any time soon. Children are tough and expensive sh'it, man. But my mom and dad had me at 38 and 47 respectively. If my parents were both in their 30s and 40s now, I might have a different opinion. Now that I think about it, my parents are borderline crazy. "You are not going to date until you're 16" started with 1st grade, and I get an earful of sexism everytime I'm in my car with my dad and he sees a female driver.
tl;dr: Have kids when you think you can / want to take responsibility for them. Plenty of people are bad parents in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. I don't care if you're 17. As long as you can raise your kids properly, go for it. Me? No thanks. I'll wait a while. (read: forever ronery)