Im not a poster in the 94/95 forums but this is a field that I call myself an "expert" in, if there is such a thing. Im now 27 years old with a wife and kid. Back when I was 19 and a freshman in college and my girlfriend was 17 and a junior in high school, we made the mistake of not using protection and her getting pregnant. WOW I was scared to death. I thought the world had come crashing down on me. No more cars, friends, life as I knew it was over. I HAD NO FUTURE but a girlfriend, child, and a minimum wage job for the rest of my life. I was soo scared to tell my dad, but mom was very understanding. She cried and was very worried but she stood strong for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Well then the day came that I told my dad. I can STILL remember how it all went down. He was wahching TV when I came into the room and said that dad youre going to be a grandpa. He kept saying youre joking right, I said no. He was upset at first, but the damage was done. We sat down and talked about it for a while. They were still going to put me through college and pay for everything with my son while I concentrated on my studies. About 2 months later my girlfriend moved in with me and my family. Her side of the family took it completely different. Her parents wanted nothing to do with her or her child (they didnt raise her anyway, it was her grandparents). She felt devastated as she should have. Fast forward 7 years later, Im still with her and she is my wife and my son is 7 years old. Im doing well for myself but without the help of my parents I would probably have nothing. There are not a lot of parents that would do the things for their kids that mine have done for me. Ive seen it too many times that young kids have their lives and future thrown away due to a child. Dont get me wrong, my son is the best mistake Ive ever made and ever will make, but I have missed out on a lot of things that I shouldnt have. I had to grow up and be a dad too fast. The fun out with friends at night , different girlfriends, and the other things that 19-25 year old guys do, I didnt get to. But Im perfectly content at home with my family. BOth me and my wife are understanding that we lost out on a lot of things in life so she lets me go out and race on the weekends and I let her go out with her friends and shop and stuff and what ever else (as long as its in reason, lol) What Im saying is keep your head up and take care of your child and girlfriend. Hang in there, your life is now begining and have fun with your child. Oh and CONGRATS on the baby, hope everything goes well. Best wishes