I RESENT MUM BEING PREGNANT

Dear Coleen

I’m 16 and my mum is 10 weeks pregnant. I know I should be happy about it, but I’m not. Although she’s only 32, which is still young, I find it strange she’s having a baby when she’s got a daughter my age.

Our house is hectic enough as it is with me and my eight-year-old twin brothers. A baby would just make it worse.

I just don’t understand why she would think it’s a good idea to have another child.

To make it worse, I absolutely cannot stand her fiance, who is now moving in with us because of this baby. He is a nasty, arrogant man and the thought of living with him makes me want to leave and live with my nan, but I don’t want to leave my mum and brothers. What’s your opinion?

Coleen says

Some women are only having first babies at 32. In fact these days lots of women older than your mum are just starting their family.

I think what you should focus on is whether your mum is happy. You are 16 and, in another couple of years, you’ll be old enough to do what you want – leave to go to uni or find a job.

I’m sure that when you do leave, you’ll want her to be happy and supported. So try to see things from her perspective.

As for her fiance moving in, he’s not moving in as your dad. When families blend, it is hard at first while you all find your place and get used to each other. You have worries you should be talking to your mum about – but not in anger and not to give her a hard time about having another baby.

I’m sure if you do talk to her calmly about how you’re feeling, she’ll be reassuring.