2011-02-09, 03:56 AM
I'm not saying it's a good idea for young adults or teenagers to have children. However, I had my first child at 19. Was I mentally, financially and emotionally prepared at that point in my life to have a child? Probably not. Though I'm sure if you were to ask my daughter, who is 19 now, she had a very good life growing up. I worked my ass off to make sure she (and my other 3), never really wanted for much. (And I'm proud to say I've never lived a single day on welfare.....I refuse to be "that" person.) They also learned that things aren't handed to you on a silver platter.....you have to work hard for the things you want in life. They have all watched me do it and I know my two teenage daughters have a lot of respect for me for that reason. In turn, my 19 year old is now off to college on her own, living on her own, working a full time job and paying her own bills. I wouldn't encourage teenagers or young adults to have children at that age, but I definitely think it depends on the person. I've also seen many people in their late 20's or 30's who probably shouldn't have children.

