"Mom I'm pregnant" are the words almost every parent of a teenager, is afraid to hear. Unfortunately teen pregnancy and abortion rates have increased for the first time in 10 years.
The Guttmacher Institute reported this 3% increase in teen pregnancies across all races.
Alexis Ware, a high school senior attends a school where pregnant students are ordinary. Here are her thoughts on the subject.
Author: Alexis Ware
Teen Pregnancy is an epidemic on the rise in the United States. The statics are getting higher everyday. Schools try to stress abstinence and safe sex but it isn't working, teens continue to get pregnant. The school is not the only responsible party, home life also plays a big part. There is only one way to stop this problem and that is to stop having sex. This sounds like an easy solution but peer pressure makes this choice almost impossible. The decisions about keeping a baby or having an abortion is another big problem on its own. It puts stress on the teen, the teen's parents and everyone who is involved.
When a teen becomes pregnant it affects both the boy and girl. You have to grow up early and you face consequences like dropping out of school or financial instability. Teens who are pregnant may also lose their relationships with their parents, it is hard to find work without a babysitter. All this stress isn't just put on the girl; the boy also feels the same emotions and loses opportunities.
When you are a pregnant teenager you are faced with one of the most difficult decisions of your life. What do you do about the baby? Should you keep the baby or choose another alternative? Most teens keep their child, for those that don't they have the option of adoption or abortion. In my opinion, abortion is a form of murder and should be illegal. I think that the best option for a pregnant teen with an unstable household, no support or money is adoption. When you do this the baby has a better shot at getting everything it needs and you can still enjoy your life as a teenager.
Talking to Your Teen About Sex
Talking to your teen about sex can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary. The greatest influence in your child's life is you. Not talking about this subject with your child can be interpreted as indifference. Your teen is also left to learn about sex on their own and subject to unreliable sources. They go to friends, learn from the media and infer healthy sexuality from their culture. They need to hear about your beliefs regarding teenage sex and relationships. A good place to begin a discussion about sex is to reflect on your values and determine the message you want to deliver to your teen. Another important step in preparing for this conversation is anticipating questions your child may have and determining your answers ahead of time. For example, your child may ask about your personal sex life. Having your boundaries set before the conversation happens will allow you talk with sincerity and gentleness.
Pay attention and capitalize on teachable moments. Your child is always communicating a message, look, listen and don't be afraid to speak into your child's life. This is your God given right and responsibility.
!!!WARNING!!!
EVEN YOUR CHILD IS THINKING ABOUT SEX, TALKING ABOUT SEX AND MAYBE HAVING SEX. YES EVEN YOUR DEAR SWEET SON OR DAUGHTER IS CAPABLE OF MAKING MAJOR MISTAKES THAT CAN CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER. DENIAL IS NOT THE PLACE PARENTS OF TEENS SHOULD LIVE.
Get involved with your child's life and try to keep open communiation at all times. Social media is a great place to stay in touch with your teen. Facebook, Twitter, My Space and text messages all tell a story of your teens public and private life. Your teen needs a parent not a friend. With patience, prayer and hard work you can make it through the teen years without a grandchild and have Empowered Peace!
Resourses
The Right Words (An article about speaking to your daughter about her body and sex)
Additional Articles
photo credits: teenpregnancystatistics.org, thefrisk.com, guardian.co.uk, whisperedinspirations.com, teenagerstoday.com all via google images.
