Can I Rant?
Seriously, sometimes I really wonder about people. Let’s say I know this family. For the purpose of this post, let’s say this family is related to my family. (No, it’s not my immediate family just so you know.)
So they’ve always had some problems. They’ve always been on welfare (social assistance for the non-Canadians) because of laziness first, and extreme illness mostly. That’s not even my issue. Social assistance is there to help those who need it, and hell, they need help. I won’t even comment on what the welfare cheque is used to buy. None of my business, but infuriating none the less.
Anyway, oldest child has problems. And not like dumped by the boyfriend problems, like mental issues which require medications. Still, no problem for me. I’m just finishing my Psychology degree. I understand that mental illness is not the fault of the individual and that it can be regulated so that the person functions wonderfully within society. So oldest child gets pregnant. Being a frequent flyer with Social Services her entire life, they’re not overly excited for her … and neither am I but who am I to judge. Mistakes do happen. It’s no secret this baby will be taken away. She can’t even take care of herself. Baby comes, is beautiful and her mother (who is riddled with cancer by the way) loves her as soon as she lays eyes on her. Probably not the best move, her mother adopts the baby almost 2 years later. Oldest child probably saw the little one less than a handfull of times. Fine, some people just aren’t naturally maternal.
Few months after adoption goes through, oldest child has some news … she’s pregnant … again. Ok, seriously? Are you kidding? Did you learn nothing? There are people in this world who would kill to have children, who would be amazing parents, and SHE gets herself impregnated once again? Her mother says she cannot take another baby, at her age and in her state of illness she just can’t handle it. Baby hasn’t arrived yet, but will be taken away as soon as he or she enters the world. Far better for the baby I believe. It’s not their fault and they deserve a wonderful and loving life.
Newest news from this family, youngest child has a surprise … guess who’s pregnant?? SERIOUSLY??? You have to be joking. She’s 16. She just watched her sister make this error in judgement … TWICE!! Birth control is wonderful! It can be found for FREE!! FREEEEEEE!!! Not many things are free today, but you can get free birth control!!! I’ve been with L33tz0r for over 3 years now. We live together. We sleep in the same bed *gasp*. (Never said I was without sin!) But somehow, through the miracles of modern science along with common sense, I have managed to keep myself pregnancy free. Even if I were to find myself with child, I’m 24 years old, have a university degree and a job. Sure, not my ideal situation, but it would not end my world.
Why is it so difficult for so many young girls? Mistakes happen. We live and we learn. Sometimes these things happen to SMART girls. Girls who come from GOOD families and backgrounds. And then there are the ones like this family who infuriate me beyond belief.
Thanks for listening interwebs 
If I have caused offence to any, please accept my apologies and feel free to voice your own opinion. Perhaps I am missing something important.
Rant off.
Morning GG
*disclaimer: these are my thoughts, my opinions and are not neccessarily the opinion of the site owner (GirlieGeek) so dont give her a hard time over my thoughts - come visit me and give me grief for my comments /end disclaimer
Right, that aside - we have the same issue in the UK and I’ve watched (in horror) documentries about teenage pregnancy in the UK and I sum up the responses that most of them give for getting pregnant:
1) for some reason it’s too much effort to use birth control - some have gone as far as to say they forgot (yeah it’s an easy thing to forget isn’t it something that will a) stop unwanted pregnancy, b) save you from STD’s c) potentially save your life!!!
2) “well me and Darren (or insert some random name here) wanted a council house and we have a better case if we have a child” - excuse me WTF did you really just say that!!!!! is that a real reason to bring a life into the world (not sure if you guys have similar, we have social housing paid for by our government, which ultimately comes outta my taxes).
3) “I get more family allowance and child support handouts!” - sorry are you living in the same world I live in? you weant money get a freakin’ job (now I know jobs are scarse with the current economic “crisis” but hey dont use a child to get more, I guess they dont understand the math, a child costs more hence the need for more money they wont actually be any better off, more than likely worse off.
4) “I really LOVE Darren (or random name) we want to start a family” - You’re bloody 15, grow up first, if you still love “darren” then start a family in like 5 years time or so, not now when you have no idea how to look after yourself let alone a baby!
I appreciate that some children have issues/problems but surely the parents should take a little responsibility and make sure their child is not out banging whomever they choose - hell my Dad woulda torn me a new asshole if I’d come home at 15 saying sorry but i’ve “knocked a girl up” - I mean there a yearly injection for birth control, surely something coulda been done to prevent this the parent should take their parenting a little more seriosly especialy if their child has issues.
Wow - think you hit on a subject I have strong opinions on lol, dunno why cos I’m not a fatherly type, dont have children and tbh dont have any desires in that direction (i’m kinda lucky my better half doesn’t want kids either).
anyways my opinions only, anyone takes offense I apologise also - it’s good to vent
Buel
(oh yeah, I wont be at all offended if you think my comments aren’t appropriate and decide not to publish, it was good to rant)
I think you’re absolutely right. I’ve seen those documentaries and they scare the crap out of me. I just don’t understand how people can justify those things. Maybe it’s that I a very fortunate to have parents who have always been able to talk to me about these things and teach me to make smart and informed decisions.
I’m not sure why this has gotten to be such a large problem recently. Seems to be a cycle here when it comes to welfare. A child who grows up in social housing has no desire or drive to better themselves so they just stay there because they can, then their kids see the same thing. Of course this is not true of everyone but seems to be a bit of a trend.
I’m looking forward to having children, but I’m not prepared to bring another life into the world until I know that I can provide the best care and give them everything that they need and deserve.
Hi. I’m new to your blog. I found you through Fuelmyblog (I’m new there too). Anyway, I’m in my 30’s. I’m married and I’m having a hard time getting pregnant so this story was especially interesting for me….and I couldn’t agree with you more. What the heck is so hard about using a damn condom?
Buel, I have something to add to your list.
5) “The condom broke!” Yeah right! Has that actually ever happened to anyone?
Thanks!
My Dad’s side of the family was like that too. Every girl in the family couldn’t stay baby free yet, somehow no prob for me. I’ve been with my bf for 5 years now and never a problem. Heck, I’ve been with a few steady guys since I was 16 (28 now) and never gotten pregnant, so why is it so hard for other women to protect themselves? Birth control is free at clinics and condoms are grand! Hell I don’t even use condoms, just birth control and I’m fine, so these girls have no excuse.
I feel sorry for the children who come from parents who just don’t care.