Teenage parenting has always been particularly trying job for parents. Teenagers at this age get totally disassociated from their parents, the reason may be due to the generation gap or long working hours of parents these days.
Teenage is a tender phase of a child’s life where he suddenly starts seeking independence, and right to make their choices, doesn’t like to be corrected or shouted on and if done so he reacts aggressively. They tend to totally distort form their parents opinions and views and the drift increases with time. Sometimes parents completely loose control and authority over their own teenage children.
Parenting a teenager can sometimes be extremely scary to handle because teenagers suddenly become aware of their sexuality for the first time in their lives. Teenage pregnancy can be the worst repercussion of this clan. Statistics have shown that at least four out of ten girls get pregnant at least even before their twentieth birthday. The cause of such occurrence may be due to following issues.
Teenagers going through stress and longing for love, force a young adolescent into a relationship. Sometimes these raw relations just take a new route in life. When confirmed that a teenager is going to conceive a child, brings on added stress. And the stress level increases when the teenager has to face such challenges and unable to decide what to do regarding the pregnancy.
Along with this come negative effects that follow a teenage pregnancy, a major one being social stigma. At this is the most stressful effect a teen has to face.
Ignorance is the most common reason behind teenage pregnancy. Being ignorant about birth control or understanding sex is one of the main fundamental causes of teenage pregnancy. Although sex is advertised in movies and television and almost become a part of American daily soap operas, but there is no equal initiative to educate these young teens about the birth control. Open discussions should be initiated about sex education but this is very rare.
Things you as a parent can do to guard your growing child against teenage pregnancy:
Talk to them about the growing phase in their life. The changes they are going to witness. Uncomfortable as it may be, give them sex education right from home. Help your child to develop a healthy attitude and to be open-minded. Allow your teen to have good relations with opposite sex, but at the same time do not encourage single dating and steady relationships before 16 to 18 years of age. It is very important to supervise your teen and his friends’ habits. Ensure they stay away from alcohol and drugs.
Being your child’s best friend is an achievement for a parent. Cultivate an atmosphere where your child can discuss their problems and chores with out any discomfort.
