When Children Have Children, 1

(2,3 ns)

Teen pregnancy is a much debated issue in the US.

Even though the number of teen pregnancies has decreased somewhat over the past ten years, the numbers have once again begun to rise. This causes concern because an early pregnancy greatly affects not just the future of the pregnant teen but also that of the child.

This text will shed light on some of the areas where teen parents have proved to be especially vulnerable.

Most people would like to think of pregnancy as a happy event, but in the US both teenage mothers and their babies are at risk of long-term problems. Many teenage girls drop out of school and they never return to complete their education. Because of this, they lose the opportunity to learn the basic skills necessary in order to get a job and achieve financial security for themselves and their child. They often experience poverty and they show an increased risk of developing physical or mental illness. Studies show that the children born to these girls have an increased risk of ‘inheriting’ precisely the same problems as their mothers.

A teenage pregnancy does not just affect the teen parent(s) – it can sometimes develop into a crisis for both the teen parents-to-be and their families. Usually the pregnancy comes as a shock, and the entire family may find it difficult to adjust to the new situation. Common reactions include anger, guilt and denial. Often these feelings are especially apparent in the pregnant girl’s family.

Teen parents – both mothers and fathers – may have many different emotional reactions to the pregnancy. Some may not want the baby, others really want the baby but may not realize the amount of care the baby needs. In some cases the teen mother will even keep the child in order to please another family member.

Many teen mothers suffer from depression and are often overwhelmed by guilt, regret, anxiety and concerns about the future.

Teenage mothers are typically uncertain about their new role. They may also feel distress and pressure because of the constant demands of taking care of a baby. Babies may be adorable, but for teenagers, looking after a newborn can be stressful, tiring or even irritating.

The babies of teen mothers are therefore often at risk of neglect and abuse. Parenting classes could help many teen mothers prepare for some of the many unknown aspects of motherhood.