Your teen is having a baby. What do you do now?
Communicate.
This is unexpected news from your son or daughter. Accusations and guilt trips will only add to the pressure. You may need to talk with the other party and their parents. Let your teen know that you love them unconditionally and are willing to help them find the best solution for them and their child.
Support.
Your teen needs you now more than ever to navigate through all the decisions that will affect their future and the future of their child. Forcing or pressuring your teen into unwanted decisions or marriage may end up causing unwanted results in the future. There is no perfect solution in every instance, but we are here to help. Again, communicate openly with your teen to help them make rational, adult decisions.
Get Support.
You and your teen will most likely need to seek counseling to deal with a variety of emotional and medical issues. Your daughter will need to get prenatal advice on vitamins, diet, etc. Your son may be dealing with emotional issues also. He will need information on his legal responsibilities of supporting his child.
Think Ahead.
The way you handle this challenge will affect the future relationship you have with your child and, if they decide to keep their baby, the relationship you have with your grandchild.
For help in dealing with the issues surrounding your teen’s unplanned pregnancy please contact us.