Exploring your views on underage sex and teenage pregnancies; Pregnant teenage statistics are increasing the world over, so how do we deal with the pregnancy rates? How do we prevent pregnancy in our teens?
This particular post is mostly form the perception of parents of the son (perspective father)
So your son drops the bombshell!! What do you do? Who and Where do you turn to? How do you help your son? What are your responsibilities and those of your son?
No doubt you are feeling very upset and disappointed. What is often considered a joyful event is nearly impossible to be celebrated under these circumstances.
The uncertainty of what will happen next is likely at the forefront of your mind. How this will affect you and your family is a scary thought.
The decision of whether or not the pregnant teen chooses to maintain the pregnancy, keep the baby or place it for adoption is, in most cases, entirely up to the teen mother.
She does not need permission from her parents or the teen father to have an abortion or to choose to parent.
As the parent of this young man, he needs you now more than ever.
Keep communication between both families open and amicable is imperative; it is an essential requirement whilst the future of the pregnancy, baby and teens are being decided.
He may want something different with regards to the pregnancy than the teen mother or the parents. His friends are telling him one thing and his heart may be telling him another.
It is very important for you to set aside your own feelings and help him to talk it out and make better choices going forward.
Statutory rape is an issue if one party is older than 18. However, very few cases are brought to the attention of the District Attorney unless the adult involved has a criminal record or a date rape has occurred.
You, as his parent, are not financially responsible for the pregnancy or baby. Once your son is 18 years old, he will be legally responsible for paying child support.
Regardless of whether or not he wants the girl to keep the baby, he should take financial responsibility as soon as he is able.
If he chooses to avoid it, he could risk future visitation or custody since he did not show a financial commitment for his child early on. Of course, it is also the right thing to do – support the child.
Both families need to establish guidelines during the pregnancy (i.e. attending doctor’s appointments) and a reasonable visitation schedule that will enable your son and your family the opportunity to bond with his baby.
All in all try to be as rational and reasonable as possible for all parties.
Source: VillageNews
I hope this information was helpful to you.
Dawn Pugh expert therapist.
