I think it varies from person to person. For me personally, I have only recently felt ready to start a family. I'm 27. I've probably been ready since I was 25 and got married but, because of money, we decided to wait a bit before trying. I also didn't want to get tied down too early as I wanted to enjoy being young and free with no ties. Like going on holiday, going out and enjoying myself. I couldn't have done half the stuff I've done if I'd already have had a child. On the other hand, my mum got married at 18 and had my sister at 19 and my brother at 21. She then had me and my brother 10 years later with my dad (my older brother and sister are from my mum's first marriage). She was more than ready to settle down but I know at 18, having a baby was the last thing on my mind and I knew that it wouldn't be happening for me for a long while.

But everyone is different and I think it depends on when you find the right guy. But then, saying that, I met my husband when I was 19 and it took us a good 7 years before we even started talking about TTC.

I don't think age matters, it depends on the people and if they think they are ready.
I wouldn't advise under 18s to ttc but saying that, there are some wonderful mums which are under 18.
x

I wouldn't support anyone under 18 really (sorry guys ), in my country at 18 you are still in high school and without your diploma or GED you can barely get a job in Mcdonalds.

Honestly I can't put a number on someone's mental and physical maturity, plus financial stability... each person is an individual in their own situation.


As for you Aria... you aren't looking to make any friends on this forum do you?
I am pretty offended at your post, if not just for myself than for the handful of girls I've met on this forum who are absolutely brilliant moms.
I'm 19(unlike you the first one in my family to get pregnant so young) and I hope no one will think I'm tooting my own horn here but I am a great mom and my mental stability is fine, thank you very much!

Yes, it's hard work. You'll find out soon enough that motherhood is damn hard and not even your age will save you.

I think TTC under 18 is wrong. That is not to say I don't support teen Mums, I just don't think TTC under 18 is advisable.

I completely agree Amy, at 19 I am a fantastic mother and I know that because my baby loves me and I love her and I do everything right by her even though I've gone through rubbish times and am now bringing her up on my own. I could quite easily stick her in my mums all the time and go out drinking with my mates (like someone I could mention) but I don't, she will always be my number one priority, even when she's 35 and got kids of her own. I know of a lot of older mums who don't do half a good a job as I do in bringing their kids up as I do.

knew i shouldn't have come back to this thread. Gets right on my wick that someone thinks they can determine the age at which I am most mature. I am upset and offended. My own stupid fault for coming back to this thread mind.

I agree with nikky, I don't think age should be the deciding factor on whether you should have a baby.

I'm a teacher and in the area where I work, having a baby young is the norm and is seen as a "quick and easy" (lol!) way to get benefits and housing. I think whatever age you are, you should ideally be in a position to support yourself and the baby. There is family near here who have 13 children and they openly admit they make more on benefits than they ever would working.

Dont worry about it amy its just one miserable old woman who likes to look down her nose at everyone. Especially those who dont pay taxes.....

And it's people like that that give the rest of us a bad name. If Grace hadn't have come along without being planned I would certainly have waited until I was financially secure. But things happen and change your plans. Doesn't make me any less of a mother

Well had she know, i've paid my taxes since i left school at 16. So NOW am i mature enough to be a good mother to my children? Spoiled my evening, i'm going to bed. Fed up of being judged. Get a grip and accept that people aren't all living the same old lives. Back in the day it was NORMAL to have children very young!