How to Deal With Teen Pregnancy Realistically

Having been a teenage mother myself, I can completely relate and give advice to those parents who are dealing with their children being pregnant. You might think that it is a difficult part of being a parent, but really it does not have to be.

Instructions:
Step 1
First thing as a parent that you have to realize is that this is not about you. This is about your child having a baby. Nothing else. You either deal with it, or you choose not to, there is no in between at all.

Step 2
Do not over react when your daughter comes to you and tells you that she is pregnant. Yes, it is a huge shock and you want to just let all your frustration out. Don't, it is a bad idea to over react at such an important time.

Step 3
Do not ask stupid questions as to how it happened. Everyone knows how it happened, so leave it at that. Offer your ear and your shoulder instead.

Step 4
Give your daughter the options. Having the baby, giving the baby up for adoption or abortion. Yes, abortion as well. It is after all an option that we as women do have. No matter what your views are on the subject, it is her decision to make and you must as her parents advise her of the options.

Step 5
Remind her over and over that you will be there for her no matter what she chooses. If you cannot give her that option, then you are not a good parent, period. Parenting does not stop just because our children get pregnant at an earlier age then we like.

Step 6
Help her decide where she is going to get medical treatment if she chooses to keep her baby. There are many programs that will help teenage mothers and parents cope with medical bills. WIC and Medicaid is two of them. Check them out as soon as you can.

Step 7
If keeping the baby is her choice, begin to prepare her for what is in store the next up and coming months. Do not sugar coat the details, but do not scare her to make her think she is making the wrong decision. Guide her the way you would want to be guided if this were you.

Step 8

Oh how I love my grandsons !!!If your daughter is happy that she is pregnant, then be happy as well. Yes, it can be a huge financial burden, you will get through it. Take it from a mother who had her 17 and 18 year-old pregnant at the same time. Being a grandparent is amazing! Watching your children, parent their children, is something that words just cannot describe.

Tips & Warnings
1. No matter how much you tell your children about protection, sometimes they just do not listen.
2. Do not make this a burden, it is a joyous part of life.
3. Stay supportive through everything!

Resources:

 Kerns, J. (2013) How to Deal With Teen Pregnancy Realistically. Retrieved on Jan 26, 2013 from the Teen Parent.TV website: http://teenparent.tv/blog/-20000/how-to-deal-with-teen-pregnancy-realistically