Statistics/Facts
How much does it cost to raise a baby until 18 years of age?
250,000
What new responsibilities does having a new born bring?
Finances, constant care (changing a diaper 20 times a day or every 2-3 hours), love/support, emotional changes
What is emotional maturity?
Being responsible enough to constantly put someone else's needs ahead of yours.
You can't get pregnant standing up.
You can get pregnant standing up or in any other position.
How many pregnant teens are likely to make it through high school?
40% of teen mothers finish High School ("Postcard: Teen Pregnancy").
Lifestyle changes include...
Not being able to party, drinking, smoking (after the pregnancy also due to second hang smoke effecting the baby), change in sleep habits, baby may wake up about every 40 minutes ("Sleep 0-3 Months"), not being able to do what you want whenever you want to.
What is a key component to being a parent?
Emotional maturity
You can't get pregnant the first time.
If you aren't using birth control you can get pregnant anytime.
How many teen mothers struggle with finances as an adult?
More than half of all mothers on welfare had their first child as a teenager. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that a single parent living on a low income needs close to $10,000 just to take care of the baby for the first year (Ogunjimi).
What emotional adjustments does parenthood bring?
Worry, jealousy, fear, depression, excitement, joy, overwhelming love.
What are sounds reasons to become a parent?
My partner and I have a strong relationship and we're ready for the joys and challenges of parenthood will bring to our lives. I have a home, realistic attitude about parenting, a partner to help, and financial stability. I can't imagine life without the bond with a child-good and bad.
My boyfriend will love me more if I get pregnant. The baby will bring us closer together.
Babies can cause severe tension in relationships. Babies rarely improve a relationship.
How many teens become pregnant each year?
750,000
How does parenthood effect relationships?
You are not able to hang around friends as much, may not have as much in common, may have a new appreciation for your own parents, different role models and support people, 8/10 teen parents do not get married ("11 Facts About").
What are unsound reasons to become a parent?
I love kids, I want to carry on my family name, my biological clock is ticking, to old to have a baby is considered 35 years of age (Rupe).
Having a child will give me an identity.
Children require a lot of nurture and responsibility, it's important to know who you are before you have a child so you can support your child's growth and development.
How likely is a sexually active teen to get pregnant when your not using contraceptives?
90% are likely to get pregnant within the first year.
How would parenthood cause changes at work?
You may have to work from home or some parents quit work. Many may not make it a priority anymore.
How does not being emotionally mature affect your child?
Child may feel emotionally neglected growing up, fear relationships as they get older, parents may not be able to connect with their children on an emotional level ("Signs That You").
Stress during pregnancy is always bad for the fetus (Paul).
A certain stress level is good for the fetus, it tones their nervous system and accelerates development (Paul).