Challenges of Teen Parenting

Being a teen mom is not glamorous. Few teen moms get rich from having a baby before they are twenty years old. Chances are slim that they will get chosen to be on a reality show either.

I do not recommend teen parenting for anyone. Even though a baby is a gift and a blessing, there is a better time to become a mom.

Advice for a teen mom is an article that I recently wrote but I really had to hold back on how I really feel. Remembering the feelings of isolation and hopelessness at times made the reality of the situation even more overwhelming.

Having family support is great but it doesn't change the facts. Motherhood is a life-long job and for many, a commitment. Sure, you can walk away from your parenting responsibilities but most do not do so without some level of guilt.

How not to become a teen mom? Think before you get involved. Use birth control. There will be no "surprise" pregnancies if you use protection. Also learn how to use it wisely. It is your body and you should know how it "works". Birth control can be up to 99% effective if it is used correctly!

If you do find yourself a teen mom, life is not over. It is just different and you are now facing challenges that many of your peers are not.

You can raise a happy child and do well for yourself but you will need to prioritize your life. Forget about your love life (for now), this is what got you in this spot. Obviously, you need to rethink having a relationship. Put your child's needs on the front burner along with your needs to provide a good life for you both.

It won't be easy, nothing worthwhile is. You can further your education, get a good job and set a good example for the child that you are now responsible for. Ask for help but show that you are willing to do your part by working hard.

And by all means, be smarter the next time you get involved with someone. You cannot change what has happened but you can accept your new reality and do the best you can with it.

Coping with Back to School Anxiety for Teenagers

Being in high school can be a lot of pressure for some students. Whether you are a freshman who is just starting your high school career or a senior who is looking forward to college, there are still expectations to live up to.
A student who suffers anxiety from worrying about grades, social situations and other typical high school worries needs to get a handle on their panic in order to do well in school. So how do you cope with the normal anxiety that many teens face?
Ask for help
Guidance counselors are there not only to help you with future career choices but to talk through issues that may be troubling you. If you are feeling overwhelmed with classes or just want to talk about relationship issues, your guidance counselor may be the person to seek out for advice. If you are having trouble keeping up in a class, talk to your teacher and possibly arrange for a tutor. Don’t allow your anxiety to keep you from admitting that you might need help.
Set reasonable goals
If you tend to overextend yourself, start to prioritize what you need to do versus what you would like to do. Being involved in too many afterschool activities can take time away from homework and studying. If you enjoy taking part in clubs or sports, try to stagger your involvement so that you can find equal time for everything that you need to accomplish. Being active is good but if you spread yourself too thin you will not be able to get the most out of the experience.
Be realistic about high school romance
It’s nice to have a boyfriend or girlfriend when you are in high school but getting too serious can distract you from the personal goals that you might have for your future. Dating is fine, but when you get too serious it can influence your grades and give you additional stress that you do not need.
Try to enjoy the experience
Grab opportunities that come your way in high school. Pursue your interests and do not be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Too many teens worry about fitting in and sometimes hold back from growing into who they are. Allowing peer pressure to choose how you act will only cause you stress and anxiety. High school is the time where you are able to explore subjects and activities that can help to mold your future. If you really want to try out for the school play but you feel shy, get involved in it by working behind the scenes. Maybe next year you will build up the confidence to go for a speaking role. Do not allow what others might say to keep you from pursuing your interests. High school can be a fun time that goes by too fast. If you still feel anxiety that you cannot work through, you need to seek out professional help. Anxiety is common and very treatable. Ignoring it will not fix it. Check out the following link for more anxiety resources.
http://www.freedomfromfear.org/