Finding Out Your Teen Is About To Become A Parent--Now What?
Posted on: 6 January 2015
If you have had the unexpected news that your teenager is about to become a parent themselves, you may be filled with shock, disappointment, or even excitement. A new baby coming into the family is always a big deal, and when the parent is very young themselves, it will open up a bunch of questions for all involved. What is the correct procedure in handling a predicament like this? Here are some guidelines to use to help you, and more importantly your teenager, through this trying time.
Do Not Be Outwardly Angry
You may be upset and angry, but the worst thing that you can do right now is show these emotions to your teen. They told you that they are expecting a baby because they need support, and the most important thing that you can do for them is show it. Your child will look to you for advice and while you may not have all the answers, just being there to listen and be supportive will make a big difference to your child.
Set Up Pregnancy Counseling
You will want to look for a pregnancy program in your area that deals with teenage pregnancy. Your child will benefit from counseling at a professional level. They will be able to learn about the different options available and will have a further support system in place to help make decisions. If possible, have both your child and their partner, available to go to counseling. If the situation is one that the other parent is not involved, you may want to go to the counseling sessions along with your child. Try to visit counseling centers that specifically offer pregnancy counseling, such as All Women's Clinic.
Make A Doctor's Appointment
No matter what the end decision will be regarding the pregnancy, you will want to have a doctor's appointment set up for the mother. Good health is important right from the start, and if the parents plan on keeping the baby or having the baby adopted, you will want to make sure the baby has the best start.
Contact The Other Parents
If possible, reach out the parents of your child's partner. Support in numbers can really make a difference in the outcome of the entire situation, and if both sets of parents can get along and be there for their children, rather than pointing fingers, it would be in everyone's favor. Your teen will appreciate the effort made to accept the situation rather than turning away. These next few months will be a trying time, and leaning on each other for emotional support can be one of the best things for everyone involved.
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