…My mom says she will help and wants a grandbaby too, what should I do?

No matter what your age, determining if and when you want to have a baby is a really big and life-changing decision. No one else but you should make that decision for you. If you, or a friend, are a teen and want to have a baby, here are some important things to think about:

• How will pregnancy change my body?
• What are things that I love to do that I will have to give up while I am pregnant and parenting? (ex. going out with friends, playing on a sports team, free time)
• What will it cost me to have a baby? (ex. doctor and hospital bills, diapers, baby clothes, babysitting & childcare)
• If I have a baby, do I need to get a job or work more hours if I already have a job?
• If I have a baby will I be able to finish high school?
• What are my future goals, does having a baby now help me to reach those goals? (ex. college, career, travel, military service)
• Do I have a partner and/or family who support me, both financially and emotionally, to have a baby?
• Am I emotionally ready to have a baby?
• Am I ready to be a good parent to a baby?
• Why do I want to have a baby?

As you can see, there are many important questions to ask yourself or your friend if you/they are thinking about having a baby. There are lots of other things to think about too like: housing, nutrition, health care, and transportation, to name just a few. Raising a healthy, happy child is a big responsibility and it is something that you or your friend will do for the rest of your life should you decide to have a baby now.

If after seriously thinking over these questions, you are still confused about whether or not you want to become a parent as a teen, contact GENESIS 303.413.7529 for decision counseling.

Tags: pregnancy