Kids 'raising' kids....

[shooter1201]

99% of the problems I have in one particular low-rent complex is the fact that 'kids' are raising 'kids'. The average age of the 'parents' is 19....many of whom have kids 3 and 4 years old.

It's next to impossible to 'reason' with these individuals...especially where it concerns the welfare of their kids.

[kateykakes]

Shooter,

I was young mother, much too young in fact, but as I saw it, I had two options: raise my child, or adoption. I chose to take care of my baby, and I will admit, it wasn't easy.

I married much too young, and at a time when I should have been out enjoying myself, I stayed at home and took care of a baby. If it weren't for my family and friends, I probably wouldn't have made it.

I've seen many mothers, especially young ones, go the welfare route and end up struggling and in below par housing projects. I thank God my family was there to help me when I needed it.

I know a majority of these mothers are on welfare. Not that there's anything wrong w/welfare, because I believe in helping people when they need it, but I'd rather work numerous jobs to make ends meet.

Not all young mothers fall into the category you stated, although I see what you're saying.

[wonderwoman]

and many of them don't even know how to take care of themselves let alone another human being!!


[This message has been edited by wonderwoman (edited 07-09-2001).]

[Mitzi]

It is true. I know of exceptions, like Katey. I know of some that can't cope because they fall into a deep depression over their way of life. Being on welfare is not easy. When I was younger, my father was in an accident and we had to be on welfare until he got well. That's what is is there for. But, the teasing and laughing from other teenagers (I was a teenager)is with me to this day. My mother was so mortified that we had to be on welfare, she couldn't go into the commodity stores. So, she sent me. It was humiliating for one so young.

[ftrphxcop]

Kateykakes, You are not the only exception. By the time i was 17 i had 2 children. They are 13 months apart and i know the reason i had 2 children so early was lack of good parenting skills. My mom thought it was cool to hang out at the bar and find us as many step dads as possible. Just plain bad judgement on her part. I still have no relationship with my mom to this day. And the funny thing is she thinks its all my fault.

Back to the children, They are 13 and 14 and will never have the same experiences i did. I always knew how to take care of them because since i was 8 years old i ran my moms house. Dishes, meals, and raising my brothers and sisters. 5 in all. So when it came time to raise my own, people were surprised at how patient i was. When i got older things just fell in place. My boyfriend whom got me knocked up, stuck it out and did the right thing. Together for 15 years now he has turned out to be the best thing that happened to me. Our kids are well rounded individuals and polite, well behaved,and all with out the beatings i suffered as a child. I don't think people should have to beat another person to get them to do what they want. It all boils down to teaching right from wrong. And unfortunatly these young parents are not that well taught. We as adults can't make them understand how to raise children properly but with guidence and help, we can give them the tools to be better parents.

[wonderwoman]

ftrphxcop and Kateykakes,

You are both to be commended for having the courage to "keep going" even when it must have been so hard you didn't think you could make it! Something to remember each time you look into the eyes of your child(ren)!

I have never met either of you but I admire that courage!