Baby dreams

I feel exactly the same way. I have been out of high school for one year, and ALL of my female friends from high school are either moms or moms-to-be. I feel so jealous some times. It's like all of my friends are cultivating a family and a life and I have nothing--no job (I don't have a job so that i can focus on college, not because of laziness, mind you), no boyfriend, no baby, etc. Also, all of my friends with babies are complete idiots (case-in-point: one of my friends bought two computer games with her TANIFF check instead of using it to pay part of her phone bill so she wouldn't be sued). I KNOW that I would be a much better mommy than any of them would be.

However, I realize that I am in no position to bring a child into the world right now. I am still in college and I have no job--and if I got a job, I couldn't get a very good-paying one. Before I even think about children, I need to get my life started--steady job, steady relationship with the father (preferably marriage). A child deserves a home with TWO parents, both with decent-paying jobs. More importantly, a child deserves parents who can devote time to them--and with college, I don't think I could handle a baby right now. I know that I've rambled a lot about myself, but I hope I helped a little. You need to have your own life in order before you can even consider thinking about maybe having a child.

wickedbutterfly, are you married? Yes, I'm a traditionalist who believes in marriage and 2-parent families. But if you have different beliefs, I respect that. I just ask because it sets up the next set of questions. If you're married, the next question is what does your husband want, what does he think is best for the family? If he's on board with it, then that's a good sign. If you're not married, the next question is what if having a baby doesn't straighten you out--what does that mean for the baby? It's awesome that you want a baby, but isn't the most important question whether or not you're able to give the baby the life he/she deserves? Having a lot of love to give is important, but as a parent your primary responsibility is to do what's best for your child.