Teen pregnancy is a difficult topic to address. The rates were at an all time high for females between the ages of 15 and 19 at the beginning of the 90s. However, they have recently dropped to an all time low. There are probably numerous factors that have contributed to this decrease, with the first one being education. This includes education about sex and birth control. Another reason might be the availability of birth control as well as the way certain parents are handling the topic - meaning that many parents are having frank and open discussions about the repercussions of having a baby at such a tender age.
Having a baby obviously changes a person's life. Many teenage girls might see their friends having babies and as a result they witness the fact that those friends may have some difficulties embarking on certain paths. They might witness those friends who are young mothers missing out on travel, educational opportunities, as well as jobs. They often aren't available to go out and have fun with their friends due to the massive responsibility of caring for a child. Teen mothers often find there's not enough time to socialize - and they probably don't have enough disposable income to afford a babysitter anyway.
Having a child doesn't mean you still can't have a full life ahead, but the younger mothers will probably face more difficulties than those who are in their 20s and 30s. And then there's the issue of relationships - how many teenaged relationships actually develop and evolve into lasting partnerships? And how many teenage boys are willing to take on the challenge of fatherhood?
Talking about sex to your teenagers is not something most parents want to experience. However, that open and honest dialogue can make a huge difference. It isn't a topic that can be ignored. Parents owe it to themselves and their children to have discussions about sex and the repercussions that can happen as a result. Stressing the importance of abstinence is something most parents strive for but at the same time, the topic of birth control should be addressed. Being open about using condoms and how it can lower the chance of pregnancy as well as the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease should be addressed in a calm and reasonable manner.
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