Teens and Pregnancy
By: Candace Spasojevich

About one million teenagers get pregnant each year.  Pregnant teens find themselves in situations for which they are seldom prepared, emotionally or financially.  Most pregnant teens do not marry the fathers of their children, and are often left with all or most of the responsibilities of raising the child.  While her friends continue with their education, get jobs, socialize, and grow towards independence, a pregnant teen usually finds herself isolated and with limited options.

There’s a lot to know before you make the decision to have sex.  Ask yourself these questions.  They may help you decide what is best for you.

¨      Will my decision hurt others – my parents, siblings, friends?

¨      Am I willing to risk disease and pregnancy?

¨      Could I handle being a single parent or placing my child for adoption?

¨      Can I take full responsibility for my actions?

¨      Am I ready to raise and support a child as a single parent?

These are important decisions.  Remember to think before you act.  Sexual feelings can be strong.  Think about your future.  Think about consequences.  Most importantly, think about yourself.  Be true to your inner feelings that are probably telling you to wait. Consider these thoughts about healthy relationships. 

¨      You don’t have to have sex with someone to prove that you love him or her.

¨      Sex should never be used to pay someone back for something.

¨      Sharing your thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, and most of all, mutual respect is what makes a relationship strong.

¨      Saying “No” can be the best way to say “I love and care about you.”

 If you need more information, talk to someone who you trust, who really cares about you, who will listen and give you good advice.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that most teens are having sex – they’re not.

 And parents – keep the lines of communication open with your children.  This means listening.  What’s so great about listening?

 ¨      Listening lets your teens know where to turn for help.  They are more likely to go to you for help if you are listening rather than lecturing.

¨      Listening lets your teens know you love them.  When you listen to your teens, they hear “I love you for who you are, not just what I’d like you to be.”

¨     Listening can mean fewer arguments because opinions are not being attacked.

¨      Listening can lead to a healthy discussion.  When you listen to someone they can listen to themselves, too.  They can think about what they’re saying and may even change their viewpoint.

You can become a better listener if you want that to happen.  Remember that to get good at something you have to practice.  Listening is hard work and doesn’t come naturally to everyone.  Most of us would rather be talking!

YSB has a program for pregnant and parenting teens called T.A.M.I. Find out more about it on our web site, or call us.

For further information or to make a referral, contact McHenry County Youth Service Bureau 1-815-338-7360

Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm