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Numerous researches on teenagers’ pregnancy show that relationships with their parents are more than very important and can influence the life of a teen. Teenagers who have positive relations with their parents are at lower risk of early parenting. Therefore parents can influence the future of their children.
For many children the desirable source of information on sex and intimate relations is their family. It is very important that such conversations were regular and sincere, as in such a case a teenager feels free to ask any question and to share his/her thought or doubts. Discussing man/woman relationships since very childhood also helps to form the correct image in a child’s mind. A teenager must know the difference between one-night-stand and long-term relationships, between sex and love. And the best way to learn that is to see the model of their parents’ behavior.
When you talk about intimate relationships with your teen, be specific and open about your position and judgments. Critical thinking helps to do the right choice about having sex or maintaining some relationships. By the way, research clearly shows that talking with your children about sex does not encourage them to become sexually active. And remember, too, that your own behavior should match your words. The "do as I say, not as I do" approach is bound to lose with children and teenagers, who are careful and constant observers of the adults in their lives.
Of course, parents must not only inform, but also supervise their children. It may be crucial to know where and in which company your daughter or son spends his/her free time. It’s a good pattern to know families of your teenager’s friends. Some parents even get together and discuss their family values in order to establish common rules and expectations.
The chances that your children will delay sex, pregnancy, and parenthood are significantly increased if their future appears bright. This means helping them set meaningful goals for the future, talking to them about what it takes to make future plans come true, and helping them reach their goals. Explain how becoming pregnant-or causing pregnancy-can derail the best of plans; for example, child care expenses can make it almost impossible to afford college.
Establish and maintain such a relationship with your teen that is warm, open and sincere and emphasizes mutual trust and respect. Listen carefully to what your children say and pay thoughtful attention to what they do. Spend time with your children engaged in activities that suit their ages and interests, not just yours. Shared experiences build a "bank account" of affection and trust that forms the basis for future communication with them about specific topics, including sexual behavior. Help them to build self-esteem by mastering skills; remember, self-esteem is earned, not given, and one of the best ways to earn it is by doing something well. Try to have meals together as a family as often as possible, and use the time for conversation, not confrontation.
Parents are the best people who can explain and demonstrate their teens, that, although parenthood is an honorable and important part of life, early pregnancy can harm the lives of both parents and a child. Planned and conscious family and child birth can be the utmost happiness for loving couple.
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