This generation is growing up in a very open world – sexiness and sexuality are everywhere, violence is regularly on TV and in video games, relationships become serious long before they used too – worldwide underage pregnancy figures show that 143 out of every 1000 teenagers will have a child.
The only way to ensure your child grows up with the beliefs and morals that you would expect is to support them through their confusing teenage years – encourage your child to talk to you, and be ready for them to say anything – a large amount of teenagers admit to feeling sexually confused, and believing that they are gay. Some will be right, others will live a ‘gay’ lifestyle for a few years, others are bisexual, and some will soon realize that they are straight. Whatever happens, it is vital that you are supportive at the time, as your teenagers feelings will feel very real to them.
Be respectful of your child’s relationships, whoever they are dating – teenage relationships are a learning curve, and your child will get hurt. Avoid the urge to criticize their choice of partner, and instead share your experience on how to get over a break-up, or being hurt – distract your teen, and try to boost their self-confidence.
If you find yourself in the position of having to deal with a teenage pregnancy, try to remain calm and supportive while you talk to your teen, and then take ten minutes on your own to react – you might need to cry, or sing, or just let the emotions out. After that, invite your teen’s partner around to talk about what is going to happen – you might need to give them time to make their own decision, or they may have already made it. Whatever the decision, your teen will need you – offer support, cuddles and someone to talk too, but also give them space. These experiences will shape your child, and their future, and being supportive is the most important thing you can do for them.
