Teenage pregnancy: Advice for parents of teens.

If you're faced with a teenage pregnancy, it's tough to predict how you'll feel. You'll probably experience a mass of emotions: anger, disappointment, fear. All of these feelings are real and you can't decide that you just won't feel them. Instead, acknowledge your emotions and work with them. If you're angry, say so. If you're caught up in your emotions and don't think you can have a productive conversation right away, let your teen know that you need to put some distance between you and the news — then agree on a specific time to sit down and discuss the decisions that need to be made.

When you talk to your teen about the options, remember that any decisions about the pregnancy are your teen's to make — including whether to keep the baby, have an abortion or place the baby for adoption. Your decisions focus on how you'll support your teen and his or her decisions. If you have strong feelings against abortion, how will you handle a decision to end the pregnancy? If you feel that keeping the baby is the wisest choice, how actively will you participate in caring for or supporting the baby?

When you talk with your teen, discuss how the pregnancy will change your teen's life — as well as how it will change your family's life. Talk finances, talk responsibilities, talk school. Talk about everything. Listen to what your teen is saying and ask how he or she is feeling. Let your teen know that his or her feelings are important to you. Above all, love your teen no matter what. 

Resource:

 Murry, Mary (R.N./ C.N.M.) (2011) Teenage pregnancy: Advice for parents of teens. Mayoclinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teenage-pregnancy/MY01865/rss=11