Teenage Parenting

What are the pros and cons of being a young parent?

Being a parent is very special and rewarding but it is also a life changing event. Although society portrays a negative image on teenage parents, there are pros and cons to being a young parent. As a teenager, you may not be ready to accept the challenges and struggles of parenting. There will be times that you will want to hang out with your friends or go to the mall to get a new pair of jeans, but.....what about the baby? The baby might be sick and you won't be able to hang out with your friends or you might have just spent all of your money on baby food.

Some teenagers are shocked to learn that they are becoming parents. Other teenagers think that by having a child, it will make them an adult and they can now do all the things they wanted to do. No matter what situation you find yourself in, becoming a parent has good sides, bad sides and ugly sides.

Parenting does not require any special skills, education or degrees. Therefore, anyone can become a parent. A good parent is not based on age. A good parent is made up of several characteristics that anyone can have at any time in their life. However, being responsible for another life is a huge task. It is a responsibility that can not be taken lightly. Children thrive off of love and deserve their parent's attention. Children depend on their parents for food, shelter and safety. It is crucial that any parent decide whether they can provide the necessary things that children need.

It is especially important that teenage parents plan for their future, even when a child is involved. Continuing education and obtaining a good-paying job is critical. Find out about programs in your area that help teenage parents with the struggles of education, working and finding affordable quality daycare.

Being able to put your needs last and your child's needs first is a large part of being a parent. However, that does not mean that you have to stop taking care of yourself as well. It is important that you take care of yourself to adequately care for your child. Realize when you need help and ask for it. Join a support group for young parents and get to know other parents that might be experiencing the same things as you.

Comments: Teenage Parenting

Comments 1 to 13 of about 13.
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marlieke - 765 days ago.
Hello everyone! My name is Marlieke and I am the sister of a woman who was a teen mother. She spurred me to wanting to change the face and stereotypes of teen moms out there and so I am doing a research project in hopes of giving credit where credit is deserved! If any of you gave birth to a child before the age of 21 and have 5 minutes, it would be the best favor for you to fill out the quick questionnaire-and you'd be helping out all those out there as well! Again, this would be so appreciated and would not take long. The link is here- https://nlpsych.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_efwCskl3fYRra1S Thank you!

daniellejackson-0x@hotmail.co.uk - 769 days ago.
Heyy my names danielle I have a beautiful 9 month old daughter called elizabeth I have just joined and would like to have people who are in the same situation or due to be thanks mummys x

micaela137 - 998 days ago.
Hello everyone.. i just want to share with you young mothers. I was only 14 when i became pregnant with my son. I was two months into my freshmen year in high school. Everyone said i would never do anything with my life, that i was a failure. And i want everyone to know, that no matter what others tell you, you always have a chance! I had my son at 15. got my GED, began working part time jobs, and one month after i turned 18 i moved out on to my own! I became a Certified Care Giver, ended up married to my sons father, and here i am 20 and pregnant with my second boy! I just want everyone to know that age is no reason to judge. If your a strong person, and have the will to do something, YOU CAN! Don't let others bring you down, even when you feel so low to begin with!

BellaKatesMommyy - 1062 days ago.
Hello. I am 19 years old, and I have a 8 month old daughter :D I am married to her father, and also am going to Medical Assisting school. I am also new here too, and looking to talk to people. :D I am worried about leaving her all day with this girl I know, we are friends. Her baby is a week older than Bella, but I am just afraid maybe she will favor her son over Bella or just idk be mean to her, or maybe like completely wonderful to her and Bella won't you know like me as much as her, you know how young children are... She will be about a year old when I start school, so I am not sure. I am just nervous.

t a k e a g o o d l o o k - 1092 days ago.
@ College Mommy : man i think it would be worse if you just DIDNT finish high school? finishing late is a hell of alot better then not finishing. if your b/f takes issue with you going back to do better for your self hes an idiot? / if you decide to gooooood on you. good luck !

lissie *team blue* - 1260 days ago.
I was not a teenager when i had my first, but I was in college. I graduated last Dec! I was able to spend a lot of the day with my baby and get good grades by dropping my class load to half time. There is a lot of financial help out there that will make attending school possible.

LucyMentorn - 1331 days ago.
BBC3 Underage and Pregnant Series 2 looking for young mums and dads-to-be‏ ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY OR HAVE RECENTLY GIVEN BIRTH? Mentorn television is making a second series of Underage and Pregnant for BBC Three, a documentary series following young mums-to-be through pregnancy, birth and having a baby. It’s about telling the real stories of teenagers who are pregnant and hearing about your experiences in your own words. We’re looking for a mix of teenage mums - and dads - from a variety of different backgrounds to feature in the series. If you’re 16 or under and pregnant, or have recently given birth we’d really like to hear from you. If you’d you like to find out more EMAIL underageandpregnant@mentorn.tv or CALL / TEXT 07503 079235 (we can call you back) Thanks Lucy

chunkymunky - 1396 days ago.
Hey ladies, I'm turning 19 in two weeks and I just had my baby girl a week ago. I start my second year of college on the 17th and I have full days, 8 hour days. I really just need to know how you dealt with going to school but not seeing your little one for so long. That's the only thing that has given me post partum. My mom will be taking care of her for me, but I still feel so bad about leaving her for so long...

clarejustin - 1441 days ago.
Hello Ladies, I just want to say that I am so proud of you for staying strong . I'm 20 (just lost my teen parent title last month) and have a 1 year old son who means the world to me. I got very lucky and will be marrying the father next week. I'm also going to college this september, I refuse to be a teen parent satistic. I'm so happy my life is going great. I still remember the night I found out I was pregnant and my first thought was abortion because I was afraid of what my parents would think. I'm so happy I didn't because my son is so amazing, I picture my life without him now. And my parents also love him so much. Things were hard at first but if I could get through it, I know you can too!

CelticBabe2009 - 1488 days ago.
Hey ladies! I am an older mom, but wanted to let you know about a GREAT resource called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) that is for moms with children birth to kindergarten. They usually last 2 hours with childcare included for $3-$5. It is very supportive and full of friendship. They even have TeenMOPS groups too, which is what I think you would be especially interested in. If there is not a TeenMOPS near you, the regular MOPS is always open. To check it out, go to http://www.mops.org/

samanthafw - 1499 days ago.
I too, have two children. I have a 19 month old daughter, and I am 8 (almost 9) months pregnant with my son. Fortunately, my situation is incredibly lucky. I am married to my children's father and he supports us.

I keep a log of my life and everything happening. http://www.anotherteenmom.com

jamie001 - 1527 days ago.
I was accepted into UCSD!!! I'm the first one to go to college in my family and I have a 9 month old son. Nothing is impossible. Live your dreams

SarahEPoff - 1620 days ago.
hey, my names Sarah I'm 18 years old.. I was actually here not to long ago pregnant with my first and now I'm onto my second.. I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant with Matthew.. my birthday is January 20th I had him on January 22nd.. I found out in September that I'm pregnant again and due in June.. both babies have the same daddy although we were apart for a few months after Matthew was born.. I love to talk and I'm pretty friendly if anyone wants to talk.. I've been a mom for almost 11 months now so I do have advise.. I got lucky and gave birth to the planet but we still had to make it though teething and all that fun stuff so just leave me a message I'm on pretty often :)