The question is somewhat contextual. The teenager who gets his girlfriend pregnant and then leaves mother and child to their fate deserves nothing but contempt. However, for those young men who step up to the plate, they deserve the highest admiration and respect.
To be sure, the data show that most teen fathers do not remain in their gfd's lives. That is not too surprising given where most teenage boys are in their lives. However, just because it is not surprising does not make it justifiable, let alone impressive.
However, because the young man who steps up to the plate is the exception, they deserve the highest respect and admiration. They are taking responsibility - something relatively rare even among those claiming to be adults.
My girlfriend works in family policy and I have had the chance to meet a few of those young fathers who stepped up and took responsibility for their children. Frankly, it is deeply touching. The love that they show for their children - even in those cases where, surprisingly, the mother wants nothing more to do with them - is impressive.
Teen dads have a bad reputation - and again, the data show that it is earned to some extent. However, for every rule there is an exception and these young exceptions deserve applause and support. They are showing a maturity and a sense of duty - not to mention demonstrating a sense of self-sacrifice that is the very essence of love - that should not be casually dismissed.
Just as an aside, I've never met the young man featured in the following video. However, he is an example of what you get when you get the best of teen fathers.
My older brother became a father as a teen. It was very tough for him because he had to take responsibility at age 15/16. He had a lot of crisis because of his daughter and his ex, but they all managed to make it work. I know I could have never done that, so in that sense I do look up to him.
I respect them taking care of their child. I respect them more if they married. But if their pumping and dumping and are forced to take care of the kid, my opinion is very negative. All the more reason to wait for marriage to have sex, or keep your junk in your trunk. Condoms and birth control will not save you.
He is doing his bit to raise his child and that's a good thing. I knew of a guy 14 who stepped up after he found out that his ex girlfriend was pregnant with his baby.
Ambivalent. They should've kept it in their pants until marriage. However, (as with teen moms) it's good that they've decided to take responsibility in raising their child.
They should've had better sex-ed, and access to condoms.
I don't really care if they step up and raise their kids. I prefer that to them fucking off, but that's making the best out of a bad situation. No matter how well they do or how far they come, they would've been better off establishing a career before a family.
It is difficult for you since you are not yet established in your career and you are still quite immature, but I also applaud you for your commitment to be a husband and father... good luck and I hope you have the support of good parents and parents-in-law
I have a friend who’s a teen dad. I think it’s adorable (the relationship between the kid and him) and that’s great for them but personally, it was definitely not the best action and choice 🤦🏻♀️
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