Why do people look down on me for having a baby at my age?

Question

Yea, I am 17. I have a baby. I am NOT ashamed and I believe in taking responsibility for my actions-which I HAVE! I am told that regardless of my age I am doing a great job at being a mom. I am sorry for all of you out there that look down on me, but to be honest I have to say I love being a young mother. Is it my age that sets people off? Or is it because people think that teeens cannot mature?

Answer 1

i feel the same way u do i'll be seventeen in 2 months and im due with my babygirl next month and people look down on me like im a bad influence on others but the truth is im an honors student and im still in school n i plan on going to college i feel like my daughter will not be an obstacle actually wen i found out i was pregnant she put me back on track because i was skippin school and getting bad grades and she made me more dedicated to school and now after i give birth ima get a job and continue school so i could support her and myself i have no regrets dont let people bring you down cuz they will alwayz talk no matter if ur seventeen or thirty gud luck wit ur baby

Answer 2

Its just your age... But it doesn't matter what they think, you have a precious child and someone who looks down on something so beautiful is sad... if they feel that way they can keep it to themselves! Lol

Answer 3

I would think it's both your age and the thought that teens are not mature enough. your a good mom and you love your child that's all that matters. don't let peoples opinnons bring you down.

Answer 4

I think its amazing when a young person takes on the responsibility of their child, im 23 n have a 16 month old. not as young as u but young. aslong as you can provide a good loving enviroment, regular feeding and the basics then ur baby and u are happy, u dont need lots of money for a child to be happy, u just have to be a loving proper mum!!!!

GOOD ON YOU XX

Answer 5

People just like passing judgements and making assumptions. They figure oh she's too young, she's going to be irresponsible, she's this, she's that. It shows how mature THEY are. I'm glad you are taking responsibility, some ADULTS can't even do that.

Answer 6

I hope you ignore those who would judge you as you sound like a responsible young women. Still 17 is so young. I know because I gave birth just before turning 21. Looking back now, I wish I had had the benefit of more years before becoming a parent. Although I know that I was an excellent patient, thoughful and nurturing mother to my young son,  I had been raised in a neglectful unstable situation and lacked the parenting and living skills I needed when my son became a teen. I was out of my depth. Therefore, I hope you find excellent support and advice to help you tackle the sophisticated work ahead. Good luck!

Answer 7

It's the fact that you are uneducated and young. Not a great example for your child.

Babies deserve the very best. Seventeen-year-old, single  mothers don't have a lot to offer.

Answer 8

I was 18 with my first and 21 with my second (now 3 and 3 week sold :-). Your age does NOT make you a good or bad mother, your maturity does. I am not saying its OK for a 13 year old to go and have a baby, they are still physically a child. YOU are not still a child. you, at 17, could be more ready to have a baby, than someone who is 30!!!

good job :-)

and just because you are 17 doesn't mean you are a single parent, and even if it does, there are A LOT of single parents that are in there 30's and 40's. Even though I had my baby at 18, I have been with my now husband since I was 16 and have been married for a year now.

Answer 9

We live in a world where people get judged for all kinds of reasons.  My best friend had children late, people always look at her and make rude comments about her looking like a grandmother.  I had kids at a typical age but have 2 that are really close together 13 months.  Obviously we didn't plan it that way, we spent loads of money and years on fertility to have the 2nd baby.  Anyway I always smile and say something ridiculous because it makes me feel better.  So I say yeah my other four are at home.  I have seen a lot of things in my life and don't judge anyone but that isn't how the world is.

Answer 10

First off let me start by saying this YOU GO MOMMA!! I was 17 also when I had my first and would not change anything. As for the person who made the comment about children deserve the best well its only what you make of it, and as far as being uneducated she can go s***w because my child who is now 11 is a straight A student and i dropped out of school my senior yr. guess what IM NOW A WELL EDUCATED RN!!!! B#$%H !!!!

Answer 11

truue dat

Answer 12

Hey if you are a good mom, and staying off public assistance, good for you!  If you can take care of yourself and your child, more power to you.

Answer 13

dont worry what people say they'll talk regraurdless tell them to kiss you *** and keep proving them all wrong

Answer 14

great your taking care of your child thats all that matters theres a bunch of young parents

Answer 15

Congrats! You're not one of the girls that got pregnant just to get pregnant and you're looking after yourself and baby.  I think your age is very young to have a baby, but I don't look down on you.  I know some teenagers that make better parents than grown adults.  If you take care of your own and are a positive, loving and consistent parent, all the more power to you! :D

Answer 16

I feel the same way. I was 18 when i had my daughter, 22 when i had my son and people are always looking at me like im less than them. I'm sorry, but my kids are perfectly healthy, clean, fed and well behaved. As a matter of fact, my 5 year old daughter is the most polite and best mannered child in her entire Pre-K class, and theres a total of 17 kids in that class. Mind you, the parents are all ages- they range from younger than me to much older. The teachers are fond of me and my daughter because i help out alot in the classroom and teach my child manners, where as the other parents rarely help out, and their kids are all snots. Not saying that to be mean, but its true!

My fiance and i have struggled to support our kids, but we are managing just fine and my kids couldnt ask for anything more than they already have (besides a pony and more Lucky Charms!)

In my opinion, i feel that i am a much better parent than most people older than i am. I finished high school while my daughter was a baby to show her that there is nothing that can get in your way of finishing school, or anything important for that matter.

Just continue being the wonderful mother you are! Dont let others get you down because you're young. Besides, us being young mothers, our bodies bounce back way faster, and also we have more energy for our kids :)

Congrats and keep it up!

Answer 17

You've been posting here about bad choices you've made for your baby! Circumcision...wtf that is so cruel. Horrible.

Answer 18

ummmmm, that's a tough one. being 17, your only responsibility should be school. thats the most important thing you could do for yourself [and now for your baby]. people may say its waaay too young to have such a 'grown up' responsibility, but if you're doing what you know you've got to do, don't worry about it. back in the day, people got married and started families at ages even younger than 17! mind you, their responsibility level was a lot greater than ours is now... also, we have so many opportunities to better our lives, much more than our grandparents had, even our parents! just don't let your baby stop you from excelling. its not going to be easy, but its not impossible. keep your head up girlie!