Facts About Teen Moms

Here in the United States, media and popular entertainment seem to glorify teen pregnancy. MTV's reality shows "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" have become increasing popular...making celebrities out of teen mothers. However, it seems that there may be some truths not being shown when you look at the reality of being a teen mom nationwide. Teenage pregnancy is not nearly as glamorous as it may seem on TV.

Below are some strong statistics that help explain the actual challenges of teen mothers in the US.

• 80% of teen moms are on welfare
• Over 50% of children raised by teen moms are reported to Child Protection Services
• Only 1.5% of teen moms graduate fro college by age 30 (and only 40% graduate from high school)
• Children raised without a father are twice as likely to quit school and four ties as likely to need behavioral help
• Children of teen parents are thee times more likely to become teen parents themselves.

Perhaps it's time to open our eyes to the reality and the seriousness of this situation. As parents and adults, we can continue to support our teens, like many of the grandmothers on the show, but it's also time to get real about what's best for this new life.

Teens are quite simply not equipped to successfully parent without committed help from their parents. That commitment should include not only financial help, but a commitment to ensuring these teens finish their education and make responsible parenting choices while living with their folks. It also requires a commitment from their parents to hold them to adult behavior now that they have made the adult choice of becoming a parent. This holds true for parents of boys as well -- just because a son may not be the primary caregiver, he is required to provide child support and be a father to his child.

Often, the hardest thing for teen parents and their parents is adhering to the rules that are set. Teens will still desire to go out with their friends and have a lifestyle similar to their friends. However that is something that most parents of young child must give up, regardless of their age.

As parents, we should remember that providing a life through open adoption is always a loving choice. It is not goodbye forever and for many teen mothers, especially those under 16 years old, this will be the best choice for the baby. Choices with open adoption today allow the entire family to participate in choosing adoptive parents and communicating on a regular basis as the child grows up.

The gift of a stable life and family through adoption should not be ruled out for any pregnant teen. It gives the child an opportunity of a stable home with committed parents, while affording the teen a few more years to enjoy life, explore the world, and embark on parenthood when they are old enough to provide every opportunity desired for their child.