Teenagers and young adults have been SUCCESSFULLY parenting children for many many thousands of years. 30, 40, 50 year old (and older) people have been UNSUCCESSFULLY parenting children for the same amount of time. We're all just winging it most of the time and hoping we make the right choices for our kids.

Why can't people mind their own business?

Handled perfectly. My go to quip when a new acquaintance over steps is "what's your name again?" Sometimes it gives them perspective.

The ONLY thing I think that's wrong here is Morgan's mom. When there's a parent who's left, when they come back into the picture for a day but then leave again, it recreates that trauma for the child. He'd be better off cutting her off completely instead of coming back when it's convenient for her. I know that's not what the post is about, but that's the thing I noticed at least. My wife had to do the same to her ex when he cheated and walked out. My stepkids are 100% better off because of it. Otherwise, OP is doing an amazing job and that mom can take a long walk off a short pier.

Sometimes the best answer for intrusive strangers is, “I’m sorry I don’t know you… Tell me why you want to know?”

Humour is a great parenting skill to have!

I like him

At 19 I was a lost soul with weird ideas about reality. At 20 I was an officer in the Italian army with several multi-million $ worth of equipment (including a tactical nuke missile) I signed off for and 20+ soldiers counting on me to keep them safe, organized, fed, etc. and everybody had a (often loaded) weapon. If you had asked me at 19 I'd have said "No way". We adapt. I had my daughter at 27, but if I had her at 19 or 16 I probably would have done my very best for her. You grow up when you need to. At least most of us do, I hope.

Can't stand these types of nosy ninnies. My response to the "What? You're a young parent? How old are you?" people is either a sarcastic answer like the OP gave, or a flat faced silence, because I'm no longer dignifying invasive, judgemental questions with an answer. They can say they're just curious all they want, but I'm not stupid like they think to know their intentions are to draw up negative opinions about my life they hardly know about.

That phrase, 'what my plan was in case I started to slip as a parent'.... (1) I have never heard of that, is this a generational thing? (2) I have a kid from the early 70s, and three from the early 80s, no one has ever asked me that question. (3) does SHE have a plan for if SHE slips as a parent? DUDE, you are awesome!! (you might want to put a card size copy of her birth certificate, laminated, in your wallet. I did this when people thought I was dating my son. I had given birth to him three days after my 16th birthday)

You did exactly what I would have done. Ask an insultingly stupid question, get an insultingly stupid answer (most assuredly NOT a legitimate question, as this arrogant, nosy idiot claims). It's one thing if a person, for instance, sees a parent yank abusively at a child's arm or something. However, this person clearly had no humility whatsoever about the fact she is just another human being with another SUBJECTIVE point of view about parenting, which is every bit as subject to being wrong as yours or anyone else's, her pisspoor critical thinking skills notwithstanding. It is neither her place to condescendingly pontificate to anyone, nor can she rightly claim she knew she was right about whatever she was about to preach to you. YOU DONE RIGHT! ;-) ***hugs to you and your daughter***

NTA your "plan" made me laugh so hard. I think you answered that woman's question perfectly, and honestly politely. Age doesn't make a person a good or bad parent. You sound like an amazing father & your daughter is lucky she had such a wonderful daddy.

What does "SLIP" mean? Clearly this is an Americanism, which as an English speaker, I have never heard this before.

NTA - the lady is the AH

Yes, you are the jerk. $20 is too little to tape on the girl. At least $50.

Dude some people just don't know how to keep their opinions to themselves. I mean 5 years into parenthood is a milestone in itself. For me it proved I can keep a little human being alive and love the c**p outta them. Like the saying goes, "do you". As long as your kid is happy and knows they're loved, I don't see any reason for anyone to give me any c**p. Plus FYI, I think not getting sarcasm has something to do with some sort of mental illness. God bless👏

That was pretty forking awesome. Another response option when someone asks a completely inappropriate question is, “Why do you ask?”. That puts it back on the rude person to explain and defend the intrusion. In the end, all they do is further expose themselves.

I am 67 now, and my son just turned 51. I tell people that here in Ky, we can raise kids 10 to 20 years before New Yorkers are able to do this. Your attitude is great! I knew a couple in their 40s with a child same age as mine, when mine was 5. They were awful parents, and it reassured me that I was doing okay if I could recognize bad parenting.

His response to her was absolutely perfect.

I say if anyone ask you that question you should say * I never thought of it .. what is your plan ? *

I would have been ever more sarcastic when the woman asked if he would slip up. I'd say, "Why? You looking to get f****d?"

Should have asked what her plan was if she started slipping.

What a condescending, judgmental b*tch. You were much more polite than I would have been. No one knows what the hell they're doing as a first time parent, we're all pretty much making it up as we go along & hopefully don't make too many mistakes - or at least no serious ones. Some of us (the eldest children) sometimes do have a bit of an advantage, but having younger siblings is no guarantee of parenting success. You sound like a nice young man with a good head on your shoulders & I think your daughter is lucky to have you. Also - I do hope you have full & sole LEGAL custody? That woman may grow up one day and want to be part of her daughter's life. Your primary responsibility to your child is to protect her.

Other than you knocking up a b***h before you finished school, you did ok. Good on you for being a single father, bad on you for not having a good paying career first.

That's the best retort I've ever read on here.

But is she, mature enough to have realised paradise doesn't exist and that you are just trying your best as everyone else. And criticising others for there lifestyle and methods is very immature.. NTA and great job of going for a hug and ignoring the insecure lady.

OP Daddy, you are definitely NTA!!! You have a great sense of humor. One day, your daughter will appreciate all the hard work you have put in as her Daddy. Congratulations on being a real Father.

What I don't understand is why the answer would be any of the stranger's business in the first place.

I wonder just how old she thought he was? At 21 I looked about 16, I wonder if he's the same? As for his response, I love it. Perfect "you're being too nosy so here's a joke response" answer.

I'm 53 with two kids and three dogs and don't know my a*s from my elbow.

People are just plain rude. Everybody who has their first kid is winging it. MAYBE by the third or fourth they have it down. Doubtful. By her standards I would have been incompetent. My daughter was born a month before my 21st birthday. She's 52 now.

As a former teen parent myself (I'm no longer a teen, but of course forever a parent) you'll run across this a lot. I still run across it when I get to talking to people about it. You gotta learn to pick your battles, but absolutely put people in their place when necessary. Good on this guy.

I'm afraid there is "one in every crowd." You were unlucky to get that one standing beside you.

You're too nice. I'm angry for you. C you next Tuesday, b***h.

Oh darlin', no parent knows what they're doing, but you sure knew how to deal with an ogre, and two-handed high five to you - bravo!!! And for all your efforts, you're being a great dad, so keep up the good work, you sound like the best thing ever happened to that sweet daughter of yours.

I feel like this woman asked what in her mind was a valid question (albeit not her business) but in a very rude way...a better approach is here is my name and phone number. If you have any questions or just need to talk another adult who understands give me a call or text. That's how you make new adult friends and make setting up playdates for your kids. Not insinuating that he's a bad parent for being young and a single father ffs!

OP is giving it his all. Keep it up young man! I am the baby of 40+ year old parents. They had their first child, my eldest brother in early 20s. What a difference in stamina and energy from first to last child. You do you and your child will know how hard you tried. We are born to make mistakes and learn so slipping up is just part of life's journey. Unfortunately the mom in this story only knows the Instagram parenting for birthdays and Christmas. YOU get all the ups and downs and in-betweens to love and learn through with your daughter.

pffft, I am 37 with a 10 year old, and I still don't know what I am doing half the time. lol. He is now a preteen and it shows, I don't know how to parent a preteen, especially a BOY as I am a girl. I am definitely not looking forward to teenage years. Just glad my husband is such a great (step) dad to him and can help guide him as his bio dad isn't around much. (summer time dad)

No she did not ask a legitimate question. She was being nosy and condescending.

Holy s**t I’m 48 with a 12y/o daughter and I’ve no idea what is around the corner. Winging it since day one, loving the rollercoaster and trying my best to stay one step ahead in the parenting game. If you claim to know what you are doing 100% of the time then you are either clueless about what’s really going on or you are a liar. It’s normal to make missteps, it’s normal to question your decisions or down right get ‘em wrong, so long as you are present and trying your best to be the best parent you can be then you’ll muddle through.