Rock-a-bye-baby...

Having children when you're younger is becoming increasingly popular. So many people in their late teens and early twenties are popping 'em out left right and centre (if the amount of squalling brats running around my job are anything to go by anyway...) I see it everyday in work, people my own age, a few years older, and scarily, a few years younger with one and two children trailing behind them. But it's not shocking anymore, it's the norm.

But where do we draw the line? How young really is too young? Sixteen? Fifteen? How about thirteen?

Because that's the age of one of England's newest fathers, Alfie Patten. His fifteen year old girlfriend gave birth to their daughter Maisie four days ago. Let that sink in.

Now...he was twelve when this child was conceived. She was fourteen. What are children this age doing even thinking about sex, let alone having it, and in the process, spawning a child??? Shouldn't he be too interested in his Playstation, or Xbox or whatever it is twelve year olds are interested in?

He claims to want to be a good father, and I quote: "I didn't know what it would be like to be a dad. I will be good, though, and care for it." but he also doesn't really know how to afford it, saying, and I think this is the most telling of all : "I don't really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me £10,"

I think it's safe to say that this child will be raised by the grandparents, who, sadly, are still trying to raise her parents at the same time. Not very successfully if this is anything to go by...

Read the article here...