When you discover that hopes for a bright future for your child is crushed because of teenage pregnancy, this could be the most challenging and discouraging times of your life as a parent. You have dreams of giving your daughter the best since Day One when she grew up in your stomach. Naturally you have dreams of seeing her reach her goals, march down the aisle in a flowing white gown to get married. Now all your dreams had been shattered by two words: teenage pregnancy.
When this happens, and it does, do not get not fly off the handle right away. Take control of yourself because there are other ways of handling situations like this.
Screaming at your daughter or hurting her will not change anything.
Accepting It
Receiving news of a teenage pregnancy, especially if it happens to your daughter is no easy matter. If you and your daughter are close and she tells you personally about her pregnancy, keep your cool. Try as much as you can to understand her. Talking without raising your voice or getting hysterical is difficult to do but your daughter needs you this time.
Teenage pregnancy is a hard reality to accept. Ask your daughter to talk to you, to tell you everything she wanted to say without interruption. Delivering a sermon about morality and the consequences of what she has done will do no good at this time. The situation is here, just try to accept it.
Time For Decisions
As soon as you have learned everything you need to know, ask your daughter what she plans to do without imposing. Studies conducted in cases of teenage pregnancy showed that the teenager would realize the magnitude of her problem if you ask her what she intends to do and what her decisions are.
If your daughter is not in the right frame of mind to think and decide about her future, you can give her time to think and find solutions to her own problem. If the baby’s father is willing to take responsibility, you and your daughter could talk with him to discuss what they want to do. This is important because another life is on the way and decisions must be made sooner. The baby’s life and future is at stake. Teenage pregnancy happens, but you can help your daughter cope with it.