What age should you have to be to have kids?

[Xan Krieger]

I ask this because a number of girls that I know have had kids at the age of 20 and I think that's a good number of years too young. I think something like 25 is more appropriate. At 20 you're not even old enough to drink here so why should you have a kid at that age? Besides, you should be enjoying your youth, not putting yourself through the pain and committment of having a kid.

What do the members of the escapist think about this?

 

[VanQ]

It's not a matter of how old you are. It's a matter of whether you are ready for the responsibility of bringing a life into the world. I've know 18yo couples that did a better job of raising their children than some older couples. My mother was 17 when she gave birth to me, and I turned out to be a great guy who never went without anything I needed whether it be food or support from my parents. Whereas I personally know a couple who feed their 2 year old child lollies and soft drink daily. The poor child's teeth are black and decayed already.

TLDR; It's not about age, it's about the capability

 

[Oh That Dude]

It's not a matter of how old you are. It's a matter of whether you are ready for the responsibility of bringing a life into the world. I've know 18yo couples that did a better job of raising their children than some older couples. My mother was 17 when she gave birth to me, and I turned out to be a great guy who never went without anything I needed whether it be food or support from my parents. Whereas I personally know a couple who feed their 2 year old child lollies and soft drink daily. The poor child's teeth are black and decayed already.

TLDR; It's not about age, it's about the capability

Poor form, but /thread. I mean, there's nothing more to say really. It all depends on how capable you are as a parent and stuff.

 

[FamoFunk]

I was 18 when I had my Daughter (4 days shy of 19)I'm now 20, my boyfriend was 23 and is now 25.

We were both and still are very much in love, we've financialy stable by working, have our own place etc.

I do a better job than most people in the late 20's/early 30's age is nothing, it's down to maturaty and financial situations.

 

[DustyDrB]

There is no appropriate age. Each case is different. I've known some immature people who had kids before age 20, but parenthood made them mature. I've also seen contrasting cases.

 

[SirPumpkinLongshanks]

The drinking age is entirely arbitrary. You may as well say it'd be irresponsible to have a child before you can rent a car. It's something society dictates and, while it may not be entirely reasonless, it's subject to change.

I've met 15 year olds who parent their siblings better than their parents do and I've known people in their 30's and 40's who don't have a damn clue how to raise their kids. It's all about maturity. Finances are important too but a poor parent who knows what they're doing will do better for their child than a rich clueless bastard.

 

[Serenegoose]

TLDR; It's not about age, it's about the capability

Exactly! *cheers*

 

[WaderiAAA]

Lower limit:
None, but you got to be mature enough and preferably plan having the baby rather than accidentally getting pregnant

Upper limit:
I'd say 35 as a general rule. From there on out, the possibilities of the child getting deformaties and various handicaps increase with your age. Of course, if you don't find the right partner until you are 40 and want a child, then no one will blame you, but otherwise, try to keep it below 35.

 

[evilartist]

32.

 

[Kukakkau]

I'd say go for 20s but really it's whenever you are of the legal age of consent

 

[Phoenix09215]

Technically its 16... But I personally can't see myself having kids until, at the earliest, 25. But if your capable and mature than any age after 16 I guess? (although after 40 is getting a bit ridiculous)

 

[HentMas]

i was 22 when i got my kid

being working since i was 18, so i have the means to give him wathever he needs

and i still can go out and have fun, its funny because people always complai about having the time to do so, but well, i manage

 

[Daffy F]

I think you shouldn't really have children until you've finished any degrees you might want to do, and have a decent job. I think around 32? Perhaps between 30 and 35 is good.

 

[MentalBakura]

Like most others in the thread, I'd say it's more about maturity than age. However, I don't agree with throwing away one's youth too early. Maybe I'm just biased, because I certainly want to have nothing to do with children for a long time.

 

[Whichi]

For women, after they finish college classes and/or have a secure career. For men, whenever.

The reproductive organs are a miraculous wonder... women's are like fruit, and men are like an endless jar of Mayo.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

Age doesn't matter. I know plenty of parents who are 30 and older and have no business having children. People should have to take a basic aptitude test before being issued a license.

 

[Canid117]

In your twenties is probably the earliest for most people but it depends on maturity level really.

 

[Talshere]

I think 20-21 ish is a good age to start thinking about it but by no means is it the DO IT NOW BEFORE ITS TO LATE age. 16 is WAY to young.

 

[blue heartless]

I think the human race as a whole should stop reproducing. Just for a few years. Maybe cut down on this population a few million or so. As for an age I would say it honestly doesn't matter what age you are, only if you are physically & mentally mature and finacially prepared for having children.

Also, the dad must not be a total weiner and leave the mom once he finds out.