“Australia’s youngest parents” welcome second child at the age of 16
Couples twice their age still aren’t ready for kids, but 16-year-olds Mollie and Oscar have been parents for almost two years now.
Mollie Syrigos and Oscar Wilks made headlines in 2016 when they found out they were expecting their first child at the age of just 13, making Mollie one of the youngest mums in Australian history.
She gave birth at 14 to a boy named Theodore (now almost two years old) and in December welcomed the couple’s second child, a girl named Delilah Lilli.
At the time she discovered her second pregnancy (which, like the first, wasn’t planned), Mollie told 9 News she and Oscar were excited for a new addition to their family.
“I know it will be a huge challenge but I’m prepared for that challenge. When you love something so much challenges sort of make you stronger and I’m ready for the challenges and very excited for the new baby to come.”
Mollie is also quick to shut down any criticism of teen parents, saying it was actually very common. In 2015, 2,641 teenagers became mothers.
“Just because I’m physically 15, my head is in a different place. I feel a lot older than 15,” she said last year. “No age defines how well you parent. There’s 30-year-old ice junkie mums out there. I’m doing as best as I can and my son is happy and so is my partner and I think that’s the main thing.”
The couple live with Oscar’s dad, who has multiple sclerosis, and help care for him. Mollie, who would have started Year 11 this year, is taking Swinburne University of Technology’s secondary school classes for young mothers. Oscar, who says his partner is a “genius” and will go a long way, is a full-time apprentice tradie.
But as much as they love their two bubs, the 16-year-olds have some advice for other kids their age.
“Look, if I had anything to say about being so young and having a baby, it would be this – hold on to your childhood as long as you can,” Oscar told the Herald Sun. “If it happens and you become a parent, just be the best parent you can be.”
What do you think about this young 16-year-old Aussie couple having two children under the age of two? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.