@LadyMarissa Depending on the state, your son has no rights to see his son without taking legal action. You’re not getting it. He doesn’t have the right to “babysit” to show he loves his son and wants to take responsibility in that realm; the mother can tell him no.
The state will order him to pay up if he’s working, you don’t have to worry about that. The state definitely cares about the father paying.
Are you saying you want your 17 year old son to quit school and work? I wouldn’t want either teen to give up any part of their education. We’re talking about teenagers, I don’t know why you’re so angry. They made a mistake. I’d do everything I could whether it was my son or daughter so they could have as close to a normal situation as possible. They screwed up being able to go out a lot with their friends, because they have a responsibility to care for the baby, but it shouldn’t mean they can’t finish school, can’t go to college, etc. I would sacrifice my free time and help watch the baby and help financially so my child could finish school. I luckily would have the means to help, obviously some families don’t.
Part-time work yes, I think all teens should work, but quitting school or working full time, I wouldn’t want either teen parent to do that.