13-year-old father vows to become good parent
By Lucy Hagan
By Lucy Hagan
Alfie Patten, the schoolboy who became a father at the age of 13 has vowed to be a good parent
Baby-faced boy Alfie Patten is father at 13Alfie, who was 12 when he got Chantelle Steadman - who was then 14 - pregnant, said: "I know I'm young but I plan to be a good dad." In an interview with The Sun, the schoolboy from Eastbourne, East Sussex, he said his first night of parenthood was "easier than I thought", adding: "I think we'll be good parents. I'll have to work extra hard at school." Both Alfie and Chantelle change their daughter's nappy and she sleeps in her mother's bedroom.
Chantelle, now 15, admitted she had been left "in a daze" since giving birth Maisie, 7lb 13oz, four days ago. She said: "Alfie has been really good with her. He made the first bottle and then we took it in turns feeding her. He did the first bit with me. We didn't need any help from Mum. "I didn't really get back to sleep. I just lay there in a daze." She added: "When I was pregnant the police and social workers came to interview us and they decided that we would make good parents to Maisie. "Now we will prove to everyone that we can be, and give her a great future. When Alfie is 16 he can come and live here with me and my family. "We don't want to get a flat because we wouldn't have enough money and I want us both to stay in school to make the best future for Maisie."
Alfie Patten with MaisieThe story has raised disturbing questions about society, according to leading politicians. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I think all of us would want to avoid teenage pregnancies. Children's Secretary Ed Balls said; "You look at that young lad being a dad when he is so young - and also the teenage girl - and you think it's not right, this looks so terrible.
Similar Baby - Alfie at four months old and little Maisie Roxanne"Our first reaction has got to be to make sure that the young lad, the teenage mum and the baby get all the support they need. "And it's also vital that we do everything we can to make sure that these kind of teenage pregnancies don't happen in the future." Social Services in the pair's home town of Eastbourne admitted to "concerns" over the case but said they would give "all their support". Police said they investigated but decided to take no further action as it was "not in anyone's interests" to prosecute.
Boy dad Alfie Patten admitted he does not know how much nappies cost — but said: I think it's a lot.? Baby-faced Alfie, who is 13 but looks more like eight, became a father four days ago when his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman gave birth to 7lb 3oz Maisie Roxanne. He told how he and Chantelle, 15, decided against an abortion after discovering she was pregnant. The shy lad, whose voice has not yet broken, said: "I thought it would be good to have a baby. "I didn't think about how we would afford it. I don't really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me £10."
Penny Stedman - Mother of 15-year-old Chantelle, at her home in Eastbourne, East Sussex Chantelle's mum said: "I told her it was lovely to have the baby but I wish it was in different circumstances. We have five children already so it's a big financial responsibility. But we are a family and will pull together and get through.
Unmasked - Alfie with father DennisAlfie's dad Dennis told how the lad does not really understand the enormity of his situation — but seemed desperate to be a devoted and responsible father. He wanted to be the first to hold Maisie after the hospital birth. He tenderly kisses the baby and gives her a bottle. And Dennis, 45, said: "He could have shrugged his shoulders and sat at home on his Playstation. But he has been at the hospital every day."
Boys could have kids at age of six
DOCTOR Carol Cooper, The Sun's GP, explains the physical changes in lads and when they occur. BOYS can actually get a girl pregnant at the age of six or seven — though it is extremely rare. Puberty starts for most boys at 12. Hormonal changes occur first and then sperm starts to mature — though it is unlikely at this stage that many would be capable of impregnating a girl. The growth spurt, voice changes plus facial hair are secondary to hormonal changes and come later.
DOCTOR Carol Cooper, The Sun's GP, explains the physical changes in lads and when they occur. BOYS can actually get a girl pregnant at the age of six or seven — though it is extremely rare. Puberty starts for most boys at 12. Hormonal changes occur first and then sperm starts to mature — though it is unlikely at this stage that many would be capable of impregnating a girl. The growth spurt, voice changes plus facial hair are secondary to hormonal changes and come later.
