Parents are usually devastated when their teenage daughters get pregnant out of wedlock. It’s like the most shameful thing to them, especially in a culture like ours where morality is so loudly preached by all but upheld by none. Consequently, parents are left devastated even as they continually ask themselves whether it was their lack of care that pushed their small girls to seek love elsewhere. I understand the worry parents feel about the ability of preventing their children from becoming teen parents. In all, it should be clearly stated that parents could only try as much as they can to teach their children uprightness. In the end, most decisions made by children are made independently of their parents; including the decision to experiment with sex and get pregnant in the process. In any case, this post considers ways parents can handle likely cases of teenage pregnancies.
HOW TO HANDLE IT: Inasmuch as it will be devastating to receive the news that one’s promising teenage daughter is suddenly pregnant, parents must be wise not to throw away the baby with the bathwater. Many Nigerian parents make this mistake all the time, chasing the pregnant girl away from the house and exposing her to a lot more danger out there in the open. You don’t want to do this. Agreed, she has made a stupid mistake. But then, cases of teenage pregnancies are typical cases of blessings in disguise! She is pregnant, with a baby! Sure, it is coming at the wrong time, but it is right thing nonetheless. So be angry, take some time to process the new reality in your family; but never for once forget that your teen and your unborn grandchild need you more than ever before. Do not make a decision you might possibly regret for the rest of your life.
HOW PARENTS SHOULD RESPOND: It is every parent’s responsibility to help their pregnant teens come to terms with this life-changing event. And this must be done with much love! Oh yes; much love! The fact that your daughter is pregnant or your son has impregnated a girl [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][does not] mean you shouldn’t love them anymore. So coach them lovingly and plan the next step. Bear in mind that you are not the only one feeling disappointed and embarrassed; your teen is feeling bad too! Do not make [them] feel shittier than they already do.
Indeed, it’s inevitable to provide counseling options and enlightenment on fetal development and financial assistance. Also, introduce your daughter to your local pregnancy resource center. Over time, the teenage girl will feel confident in her new role as a young mother. With the support you give, she may even begin planning steps to a brighter future for herself and her child. Give her tips on ways she can balance baby care and school responsibilities. These days, girls rarely ever have to drop out of school just for becoming pregnant and birthing babies.
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