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Teen Pregnancy

Posted March 9, 2008

Daily prayer: Dear God, please give my children the knowledge they need tempered by wisdom to walk in the direction you would have them go. I Samuel 2:3b “The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.”

Teen Pregnancy can be avoided but it takes education and conversation with our teenagers. One of the most important steps a parent can take is maintaining strong personal relationships with their children and setting clear expectations for them. It also takes open and honest communication with our teenagers. This is sometimes difficult so if you need to take a communications class to help you establish this communication, there is an excellent class offered at Tri-County Technical College called Intrapersonal Personal Communications taught by Professor Icenogle. It was one of the best classes I have ever taken and you will be amazed what it can do to help you overcome the communication barriers in your home.

So, where do we start talking to our teenagers?

1. Communicate your sexual values and expectations with your children. Explain to them the difference between sex, love, and relationships. Many times curiosity about sex is just because they do not know what to expect and what is appropriate.

2. Talk to your children early. Be clear and honest. Set the tone for an open, honest and respectful so that your child will first understand that this is a serious conversation and second they will know that they can come back for more answers if they have more questions. Remember age appropriate conversations about relationships, sex, and intimacy should begin early and continue through the adolescent years. This conversation is not a one-time “talk”; it is an on going open communication.

3. Be sure constructive activities and appropriate supervision is in place. Establish curfews, rules, and acceptable behavior. Know where your children are and whom they are with. Be sure that they have supervision. The hours between 3pm and 6pm are when they are at highest risk. Supervision doesn’t make you an overbearing nag; it makes you a good parent.

4. Know your children’s friends. Know their parents and know where they are and what supervision is going to be provided. Welcome your kids friends into your home, remember when they are at your house you are the supervision.

5. Give your kids other options for their future. Encourage college or Tech School. Give them meaningful goals and standards. Get them involved in community service giving your children an opportunity to communicate with other responsible adults.

6. Value education and teach your children to value education. Take school seriously. Meet your children’s teachers and make yourself available to your kids at school if they need you. Keep up with your kids grades and career path. Take a true interest in what your child is doing. Not being critical but being supportive.

7. Know what your teenager is watching on television and don’t be afraid to say no to inappropriate programming, you are there to be a parent not their best friend. Let them help you determine what they should and should not be allowed to watch. You may not be able to control what is going on out in the world but you can control what is going on in your home.

8. Start all of this at an early age and continue it through the adolescent years. Let your children know you love them and are truly interested in what they are doing. Most importantly set high and achievable expectations for them. Try to have open and honest conversations with them, not confrontations. Like I said, take an Intrapersonal Communications Class if necessary.

These are just a few of the things you can do. Most importantly know that your child still needs supervision as teenagers. Teenagers need to grow trust with you however this does not mean blanket approval so keep watching and verifying.

Don't forget to check out Jennifer Jones Mommy Blog for a lighthearted look at raising her son, Gus.