TEEN PARENTHOOD: A LIFE-ALTERING RESPONSIBILITY

	Rearing and raising a child can be among of the most rewarding experiences in a person's life, but parenthood also carries enormous and life-altering responsibilities, particularly for teenagers.  Because they are still growing up themselves, it becomes extremely difficult for teens to endure this process without quite a bit of help from others.  Since babies are completely dependent on their caregivers for their physical and emotional requirements, as a parent, one must be prepared to put the needs of the child first under all circumstances.

	Becoming a parent means a drastic change in lifestyle.  Teenage parents-to-be must make crucial decisions concerning marriage, finding a residence, handling finances, and finding adequate employment to support a baby.  At the same time, teens must also deal with the often-mixed reactions of parents, friends, and family members concerning this new arrival.
	
	Expectant mothers are encouraged to get early prenatal care plus plenty of rest and exercise during the pregnancy.  It is essential for them to get proper nutrition and to avoid harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in order to ensure healthy growth for the baby.  Expectant fathers must also be prepared to take on an active role in this process.  They can take part by providing emotional support while helping to plan as much as possible for the child's future.

	Teenagers should be prepared to handle the many needs that a newborn will have.  A baby has physical needs (for food, clothing, safety, shelter, and exercise), emotional needs (for love, communication, encouragement, and understanding), and medical needs (for immunizations, checkups, and care in the event of illness or injury).

	All parents are going to have good days and bad days, but it is essential that one recognize signs that they are in need of help.  It is important for new parents to take care of their own futures in order to furnish long-term support for the baby.  Learning to deal with stress by seeking counseling as well as by finishing one's education are essential elements of planning for the long haul.  Parents, family, and friends can also be an invaluable resource for teenage parents, particularly for help with childcare and for advice.  Most importantly of all, teenage parents should never hesitate to seek help when they really need it, remaining vigilant in recognizing potential problems before they become unmanageable.

	There are many services available in the community specifically for teenage parents and parents-to-be.  Youth In Need offers a program called the Nurturing Young Parents Program, which matches teenage parents with compatible mentors and a Prenatal Teen Program, which provides community and in-school support, helping teen parents to complete their education.  For more information concerning the Prenatal Teen Program or Nurturing Young Parents Program, please contact Lou Ann Weyer, Teen Parent Specialist at (636) 946-0101.
Larry Deutsch is the Community Education Director for Youth In Need, a non-profit organization serving the youth and families of Eastern Missouri.  Youth In Need has taken a "strength-based" approach toward helping teens, empowering of youngsters to solve their own problems.  Youth In Need counselors avoid preaching or belittling clients and work to improve situations rather than searching for blame in them.