Introduction
Are you a pregnant teen? Are you scared to tell your parents? If so, you're not alone. One in three girls will become pregnant before the age of 20
Teen Pregnancy
How to Tell Your Parents You are Pregnant
If you're a pregnant teenager, how to tell your parents you are pregnant may be one of the most difficult problems you've encountered in life so far. Unfortunately, some girls are so scared to tell their parents, they runaway or hide their pregnancy,or abadon it after delivery. Don't let one of these examples be you. It will only cause more problems for you.
First, prenatal care is very important to the health of your baby. Did you know that babies born who recieve no prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die? Therefore, adequate medical care is very important
Secondly, being pregnant and alone is a very scarey and stressful time. Although I am sure you are terrified of your parent's reaction, most parents do eventually adjust and help their daughter. Going through pregnancy with the support of your parents will be far easier.
Unfortunately, there is no easy wayhow to tell your parents you are pregnant. However, realistically, waiting to tell them isn't going to make it any easier. First, think about how you want to tell them. Would it be easier for you tell them together or one at a time? If you tell them as a couple, timing is important. Try to pick out a time when they're not busy and relaxed.Don't beat around bushes. Just walk up to them and say, "Mom and dad I have something to tell you. I'm sorry, but I am pregnant, and I need your help and support." Like you've heard before, honesty is always the best policy.
After you have told them, they may yell or criticize. This doesn't mean they don't love you; they're just in shock. They will eventually calm down and come around. If they do react badly ,rise above them. Don't return like behavior with like behavior. It will only esclalate the problem and make matters worse.
If you can't tell both your parents at once, tell the parent you trust the most first. After he or she has calmed down and accepted the problem, they can help you tell the other parent. However, you may want to consider this. Even though it may be hard to tell them both at once, at least that way, you only have to deal with their reactions once rather than going through it twice.
If you can't summon the courage to tell your parents on your own, seek help. Find another adult you trust to go with you. Although it may feel better for you, don't choose a friend your own age. It could be a school counselor, a minister or priest, another relative, or anyone else you might think of. Sometimes, if another adult is present, parents will react differently because they don't want to be embarrassed of their reactions. Furthermore, if the discussion gets out of hand, the other adult can help intervene.
Although I don't recommend this way, if you can't muster up the courage to tell them in person, write them a letter. As I said before, just be honest. Tell them you're sorry and tell them how you would like them to help you. After you leave them the letter, go to an adult's home you trust. However, in the letter tell them where you can be reached, and you're ready to talk when they can discuss it calmly.
Things You Don't Want to Do
If you're just about ready to deliver and still haven't told your parents,please do so! However, which ever way you choose to tell them, don't runaway away or abandon the baby. Again, believe me when I tell you, it will only make your problems far worse. Although at your age, it feels like you're invincible, you're not. What happens to other teenagers can just as easily happen to you. The following information are some sobering statistics for teenage runaways.If you were considering running away, think about these statistics. This isn't the kind of life you want for you and your baby.
- 12% of runaway youth spend at least one night outside
- 7% of runaway youth have traded sex for money, food, shelter, or drugs within the last twelve months. This is an old statistic from 1995.
- 71% of runaway youth are endangered by substance abuse, use of hard drugs, sexual and or physical abuse, being present in a place where criminal activity is occuring, or by being too young (under 13).
- 18% of runaways end up being in the company someone who abuses drugs
- 17% of runaways end up using hard drugs
- 95% of prostitutes are runaways. and the average runaway's first act of prostitution takes place at 14.
- 75% of runaways will become involved in theft, drugs, or pornagrapy.
- 12% of runaways end up spending time in place where criminal activity is known to occur
- 11% of runaways particpate in crime while on the run.
- 4% of runaways are physically assaulted.
Secondly, don't abandon your baby. Rather than abandon your baby and face legal consequences, there is a safe haven law. This safe have law is present in all 50 states. If you're a distressed parent, it allows you to avoid arrest and prosecution by surrendering your newborn infant within 72 hours to staff at any hospital emergency room or designated county site. Not only will they provide care to your newborn, medical treatment is available for the birth mother too. Privacy is guaranteed, and no names or records are required. You don't have to call beforehand; just walk in. After the appropriate care is provided, the infant is placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services and placed in a foster or preadoptive home. If you decide you made a mistake in surrendering your baby, remember, it is very important you contanct the Department of Child and Family Services within 14 days. Their toll-free number is 1-877-725-5111.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article, you will have a better idea how to tell your parents you are pregnant. It won't get any easier to tell them by waiting, and the sooner you tell them, the sooner your stress level will go down, and they can start helping you. However you decide to tell them, don't avoid it. don't runaway or abandon your baby. If you have any problems. suggestions, or questions, please use the comment box below. I usually check this website at least once a day.