My name is Angie, and I had my first child when I was 16.  Nope, it wasn't easy.  But it never really is, regardless of your age.  And, it's not a death sentence. 

I've lived a good life, I have wonderful children, and now two grandchildren.  I'm only 41 right now and I am almost an empty-nester.  That is one advantage of being a young parent.

I don't encourage people to become parents at a young age, but I like to let young parents know that their life isn't over.  It's not the worst thing that could happen.  You can still succeed at whatever you want to do, it just won't be as easy as if you were carefree and single.  I went to college, have a great career, own my own business, and I will continue to do whatever i have ambition to do.  And you will too. 

It is nice to "meet" everyone and I look forward to hearing about your lives. 

Angie Blackwell, The Parenting Coach http://www.blackwellfamilyresources.com

Although I'm not as young as most of the parents on here, I'm only 22 with a 4 month old baby girl, and doing it all on my own.

When I first found out I was pregnant I considered my life done with. Telling my parents was quite possibly the worst day of my life up to that point. They struggled with it every step of my pregnancy and tried to help me make the best decision for everyone. "There are plenty of parents out there that can't have kids and would love this baby, Ashley." was something I heard from my mom on a daily basis. My dad helped me with my budget and sat down with family services with me seeing what kind of help I would be able to get at the very least on day care. I bawled while on the phone with a local adoption agency weighing my options, when I realized that while being a single mom would be hard, it would be even harder to carry this little person for nine months then hand her/him over to someone else. That was the day I stood up to my parents and told them I could and would do it. They were relieved, knowing at that point I was mature enough to care for this baby.

All apprehensions flew out the door the moment my mom held that minute old baby girl. Sadie had my dad wrapped around her finger two hours into her life. They were giddy about being grandad and meme.

It was the easiest decision I have ever made, making a life with this little girl that holds my heart. While it's just as hard as I thought it would be ti's the most rewarding thing ever. Every slobbery kiss, sticky grasp, toothless grin, and little coo and ohh makes my life the wonderful mess it has become today. I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world!