Answer Back: Children’s views on marriage
Jack Poole, 11, Plymouth
I do not want to get married because I don't think it is important and it saves money if you do not have to pay for a ceremony. If you do decide to commit your life to your lover in marriage, then that is also fine, but it should be up to each couple. Don't start too early though, else you won't have a successful marriage.
| Marriage is a lovely thing... but I would wait until I had children of my own, a nice house, a car, and a loving caring partner. |
Vicky Strickland, 14, Plymouth
I think marriage is a lovely thing. If someone wants to show their love to someone else by having a big ceremony then they should go for it. It is quite important to marry because that's when you know the relationship is serious and going somewhere. I would love to get married but I would not rush into it. I would wait until I had children of my own, a nice house, a car, and most importantly a loving caring partner. Having been in a steady relationship means there is more chance of my marriage surviving.
Orlaith Graham-Wood, 12, Belfast
Marriage is just a big sham. I don't think it makes any difference to a relationship. I think it is awful being forced or rushed into marriage, or marrying if you are not in love. It is unfair that couples who have children before they are married are looked down on-this is still a factor in religious families. I won't deny that dressing up and having everyone make a fuss over you for the day appeals to most women and girls. But weddings are really just an excuse to have a big party.
Samantha J Hunt, 13, Birmingham
I want to be married because of the traditions. I like the idea of no sex before marriage because it means that both people respect each other. Marriage is really important in a society where commitment, traditions and values have disappeared.
Susan Parnell, 11, Plymouth
Some people are happy in a family but are not actually married. What matters is that parents live together because then children can see both their parents when they want to and not when their parents want them to.
Katy Atkinson, 14, Birmingham
I think that people rush into marriage. They do not realise what they are doing until they have lived together and they realise what they have done. Married people with children who split up because of differences are taking the easy way out. They should try to sort things out because there might still be a chance.
Mairead Duffy, 16, Belfast
Some people think that marriage is a trap and living together gives them more freedom. But getting married is important if you have children. Marriage vows make your responsibilities very clear. If I met the right person I would live with him first. Lots of people get carried away organising for the big day with all its trimmings and forget about the real meaning of the vows they are taking.
About answer back
answer back is a weekly column by Children's Express members, published in the Parents' pages of The Times.
