by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2009

To a young man, even with the most idealistic views, early fatherhood does have consequences which are not often anticipated during the throws of being in love. While their moral fiber may dictate that they do the right thing and support the mother and baby, the realism of being a father may be beyond their scope of understanding. This article lays out the consequences of early fatherhood in a clear manner, so that those who are faced with this dilemma can make easier judgment of their capabilities and capacity as a young father.

*Financial implications.

*Security of the child.

*Mistaken young love.

*Loss of independence.

*Loss of youth.

*Ability to give the child the parenting they need.

*Friction between boy and girl about parenthood.

Financial implications.

The first thing to consider is whether the young father can actually afford to raise the child. Having children costs a great deal of money. As a child grows, they will need food, clothing and all the expenses involved in health care and schooling. Without these resources available, the child is put at a great disadvantage. Love can't solve everything, and the young mind may put thoughts of financial implications on the back shelf, simply because the young man is not ready to accept these responsibilities or is unaware of the financial implications of parenthood.

These can be addressed and discussed with adults to try and find a way for the relationship between the father and the child to work. Perhaps the family has resources which they can offer the child, though they should realize the financial responsibility is theirs, as a father.

Security of the child.

A child needs to be brought up in an environment which offers them security. Young fathers who have not yet experienced life may be limited in the amount of security they can offer their child. For example, can they put a decent roof over the child's head? Can they offer them a relationship between parents which is solid and secure? If there are doubts in the relationship, often these are aspects which make a child suffer insecurity issues.

A child will need the undivided attention of parents which is not complicated by the parents not knowing what they want to do with their lives. Older parents have often worked out their lives and planned for children. Younger parents may have made no such provision and through their own insecurities in their relationship and future may not be able to offer the same sense of security to the child.

Mistaken

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