I’m angry at my daughter for getting pregnant – I wanted her to live her life first

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M so cross with my daughter for getting pregnant at 23 because she knows how tough it was for me when I got pregnant with her at 19.

I’d always warned her to wait until she was older, wiser and settled in a good relationship before thinking about having a child.

She hasn’t listened to a word I said.

I’ve been for a scan with her, and she hasn’t decided whether or not to go through with the pregnancy.

I’m a single mum of 42. I also have a son who is 19. Their dad moved abroad years ago.

My daughter’s boyfriend is 26. I’ve met him once. She texted me to say she was pregnant. I think she was scared to tell me to my face.

She’s got a good job managing a hairdressing salon.

She says she hasn’t decided what to do and while I know it’s her decision, I’ll be disappointed if she has a termination.

It will be difficult financially for us though.

I work in a hotel kitchen so the money isn’t great.

Her boyfriend says he’ll stand by her, but I wanted her to live her life first, not get stuck with kids, as I did.

DEIDRE SAYS: Managing her finances with a baby is her responsibility.

In an ideal world, this child will have two loving parents who commit to him or her emotionally as well as financially.

It may feel like a struggle but many young parents make it work for them. If she has the baby, you’ll embrace the change.