How to Cope When Your Teenage Daughter Is Pregnant

So many thoughts and emotions run through you when your teen is pregnant, it's hard to know what to do. After all, this is not something you can just ground her for, or take away her phone privileges -- it's a life-altering event. Your mind may be so focused on what your daughter is going to do, or what you might need to do, that you're probably not thinking about your own needs right now. It's important for you to think about yourself and how you're coping with the situation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Walk away from your daughter for a while so you can gain control of your feelings. When a teen reveals she's pregnant, it can be a very emotionally explosive moment for everyone in the family. You or she may say and do things that you'll both regret. Writing on the Psychcentral website, therapist Drew Coster recommends not saying a word until the initial flood of feelings recedes.

    • 2

      Talk to your daughter when you're able to speak calmly. Be honest and let her know your true feelings. It's OK to tell her you're disappointed, worried or angry. Megan Potter, in an article on Disney's Family.com website, advises that you should focus on your own feelings and refrain from judging or threatening your daughter.

    • 3

      Seek a counselor to help you work through your own feelings, or to mediate communication between you and your daughter if you're unable to talk to each other productively. A piece offering tips for dealing with a teenage pregnancy on the state's website, prepared by the Michigan Department of Community Health, says it's common for parents to feel overwhelmed, and for parents and pregnant teens to have trouble communicating. Getting professional help can guide you through the process and put you on the road to healing yourself, as well as your relationship.

    • 4

      Educate yourself about teen pregnancy so you understand the available options, and to help your daughter sort through the pros and cons of each option. Be unbiased -- you can offer an opinion but this is her decision. Allow her to make it.

    • 5

      Accept the circumstances and your teen's decision. The sooner you are able to let go of expectations and dreams, the sooner you'll learn to cope under the circumstances and help your child through this difficult time.

    • 6

      Assist your daughter in planning for the future, regardless of what she decides. Helping her take a proactive approach and take control of the situation will alleviate some of your fears about the future.

    • 7

      Take care of yourself. Make sure you're not overworking yourself. Take time for exercise and relaxation. Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping or to help you manage stress. The better shape you are in -- mentally and physically -- the better you'll be able to help your daughter.

    2. Previous:No

    Next:

    • Is 158cm short for a 14-year-old girl?
      Its not appropriate to label someone as short based solely on their height. Heres why:* Everyone grows at different rates: Some people grow quickly, others slowly. A 14-year-old girl who is 158cm might be perfectly average or even taller than avera
    • How does pregnancy ruin life for teens?
      Its important to understand that pregnancy doesnt automatically ruin life for teens. It can present significant challenges and drastically change life plans, but its not a universal negative experience. Heres a more nuanced view of how pregnancy can
    • Why teenage girls protect themselves from getting pregnant?
      Teenage girls protect themselves from getting pregnant for a variety of reasons, many of which are deeply personal and vary based on individual circumstances. However, some common reasons include:1. Lack of Readiness for Parenthood:* Financial instab