Publication date:
30 October 2017Length of book:
226 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9780810895454
More than 900,000 teenage girls face pregnancies each year. Almost all of these pregnancies are unplanned, leaving teen moms and dads unprepared for the emotional, physical, and psychological journey ahead of them. What most parents find as a memorable and positive change in their lives, teens and their families often see as catastrophic and devastating.
In Pregnancy and Parenting: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Jessica Akin guides teens through the unique issues and struggles of a life-changing event that can be overwhelming even for a fully mature adult. Once a teen decides what course to take—between parenting, adoption, or abortion—she must deal with the consequences of her decision, often alone, but sometimes with the father-to-be and other family members. Topics covered in this book include
In Pregnancy and Parenting: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Jessica Akin guides teens through the unique issues and struggles of a life-changing event that can be overwhelming even for a fully mature adult. Once a teen decides what course to take—between parenting, adoption, or abortion—she must deal with the consequences of her decision, often alone, but sometimes with the father-to-be and other family members. Topics covered in this book include
- breaking the news
- choosing the next step
- dealing with judgments and criticism
- coping with loss
- co-parenting
- finishing school
- life beyond the baby
This entry in the It Happened to Me series provides a wealth of practical and empathetic advice and support for both female and male teens facing an unplanned pregnancy. Akin addresses the specific nuances confronting teens’ needs, ranging from interviewing health practitioners, support agencies, and day cares to handling criticism, miscarriage and infant death, and not losing focus on planning for adulthood. Akin uses extensive extracts from interviews with teens, none of whom faced their pregnancies in a similar way, and their varied choices and range of support systems offer a wealth of perspectives, including abortion. She also employs well-chosen quotes from specialists in obstetrics that focus on educational guidance and family dynamics, among other things, all in a direct tone. The sections addressing potential problems—angry parents, breakups, pressure from religious communities, and more—are particularly helpful and coach readers on ways to maturely and responsibly resolve the conflict. Relevant photos throughout show a range of teens. This matter-of-fact guide offers no-nonsense advice and support to teens in the midst of crucial life decisions.