How does having a baby at ages 13 or 14 change your life?

Answer 1

Having a baby at anytime changes your life. It changes your body forever. It changes your friends. It changes your ability to get an education. It means that you have someone to take care of for at least twenty years.

More to think about

Age and situation doesn't matter - a new baby is a huge change to one's life. Even when a family believes that they are in the most perfect time of their life, financial situation, etc., they find out upon delivery that it's not at all what they expected and they weren't as prepared as they originally thought.

That said, at 13 and 14 there are huge obstacles to overcome - even more so than if you were say - mid 20s. You see, at the younger age, you've not had the opportunity to finish school (and maybe even college), which means a better job, thus insuring a better paycheck. That equals some financial stability. Plus, at 13 or 14, you've not had the chance to find your significant other (husband) to support you - not necessarily financially, but also emotionally - as you begin a family. It's not just about the money, but that is a huge part of it.

Probably at 13 and 14, you enjoy hanging out with your friends, going to parties (when you can get away with it!), being involved in activities (like sports), and spending your money on clothes and makeup. All of these things will disappear when you have a child. Your social life will drown as you find yourself spending all of your time caring for a child (which is a 24hr/day, 365days/yr job). Surely, that would be frustrating to you. Also, the financial struggle as many young mothers are not able to finish school and get good-paying jobs. The stress of feeling alone and not knowing how to get ahead is unbearable for many - so that means you will probably experience some sort of emotional and/or mental distress as a very young mother.

This isn't to say it's not impossible to overcome, because it can be. It just requires a lot of work - and I do mean a lot. You're taking on the task of three different jobs - school/work, supporting yourself, and caring for the child. That leaves little time to enjoy the little things of your baby's childhood and you may miss those special moments - and that, my dear, is what it's all about!