[Ask April Masini]

Here’s what you should do. First of all, go get some condoms and if you’re going to have sex use them. Having a baby is something any woman — [i]even a teenager[/i] — can do — but RAISING a child is not. You will lose your own childhood which isn’t even over yet! 😮 You’ll lose your freedom if you have a baby. You’ll end up putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on your family to help you take care of the baby. I’m quite sure you and your boyfriend can’t afford everything a baby needs — and having a baby without being able to raise it and give it a good home is selfish. 🙁

If you want to get married, the best way to do that is to finish school and graduate. If you’re able to, go to college. If not, get a job and start a career. This is a great investment in yourself, and if you’re going to have a baby down the line — don’t you want your baby to have a mother who’s educated and has a job to support her or him? 🙂

You have to stop thinking about yourself and think of the baby you want so much. Being mature means putting babies first, and it isn’t fair to a baby to have a teenage mother who doesn’t have the same resources as a mother who’s gotten her ducks in a row.

It’s okay to be in love and express your love, but you’re way too young to have a baby.

I hope that helps.

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