Around the Web…

Some links to send you into the long weekend:

• Courts rule against a link between vaccines and autism — CNN.com
• Sneak a peek at the belly of the “octomom” — TMZ
• An interview with Disney’s “amazing dad band!” — lilSugar
• A boy reportedly becomes a father at 13 — The Sun
• Senators kill a bill requiring insurance coverage for autistic children — Washington Post

Comments

Wow… that new dad literally looks no older than 7. I have to say I’m glad that both of their parents seem like they’re going to be there, but I just can’t even imagine what that would be like, to be a parent at 13.

- alice jane on February 13th, 2009

Im sure to get flack for this one. A parent is one who can give love, emtional support, financial (although not always), discipline, is a protector and or quardian.
I have some awesome kids if I do say so myself, However, they are at that age 13 to 15 years egotistical and narcissistic by nature. It is so damn hard for me to get my kids to load and unload a dishwasher, throw their bedding down the shute (I will make the beds), Without complaints!!!!!! And when they do do some of those things without complaining I’m waiting for the “I did this without complaining can I have a new video game”. I can’t imagine a 13 year old boy as a father and a 15 year old as the mother changing the diapers regularly, feeding the baby every 2-3 hours without getting overwhelmed. Yes I am sure they will have their parents do everything. If so then in my book these “kids” are not the true parents. Only participants! So in 20 years from now If I am wrong on them being only “participants” in raising this baby I will eat crow!

- Mary on February 13th, 2009

That story about the 13 year old “father” made me sick. Do they not have open adoptions in Britain?

- Nicole on February 13th, 2009

I think it’s interesting that the autism/immunisation court decision has come at the same time as the doctor who made the original link is being investigated for falsifying his results.

- Lilybett on February 13th, 2009

From reading the article I got the impression the new grandparents don’t seem upset about this at all. Even with the girls having atleast 5 siblings and the boy having atleast 8,what could they really know about taking care of a child? I agree that the grandparents will be the ones actually taking care of this baby.

- J on February 13th, 2009

A consequence of sex can be an unwanted pregnancy. Usually those pregnancies end in either death for the baby or being raised by ill equipped parents. I just wish adoption were viewed more favorably and young people would choose life and adoption. I know the legal system makes adoption complicated but it’s such a beautiful gift for everyone involved.

- PollyWantACracker on February 13th, 2009

i was gobsmacked to her about the 13-year old father. of course a 15-year old girlfriend is going to have sex with her 13-year old boyfriend and not use birth control. that’s what teenage pregnancy is all about, unprotected sex or not knowing how to prevent condoms from breaking or how important it is to maintain regularity on the pill, etc.

it’s quite sad, the poor bloke doesn’t even know the phrase “financial responsibility.”

the grandparents most likely will end up with the childcare responsibility, raising both their 13-year old son and their newborn granddaughter.

lawds sake, what has the world come to these days where 13-year olds are parents?

- DLR in Canada on February 14th, 2009

What a sad story. These two children that put themselves into an adult situation and don’t have a clue about what comes next. I will pray for these kids and I really hope the young people will have good positive people in there lives that will help them thourgh this.

- Barbara Smith on February 14th, 2009

I do this it’s quite disturbing that the boy looks so young, but they are taking responsibility for their actions and they have parental support. I think the best thing to do would have been to put her up for adoption also.

- NatashaC on February 14th, 2009