Dear Sasha, I’m a teenager, and I’m pregnant. The dad, who is now my ex, doesn’t want me to keep it. I don’t want to have an abortion. I don’t know how to tell my parents. I still want to finish high school, then take next year off, then go to college while my parents help me out with the baby, but I’m scared to death to tell them. I don’t know how I would start that conversation. I know that they’ll be mad and disappointed but I don’t know if they’ll let me keep it. I’m scared they won’t. I really don’t know what to do…
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Having a child is tough enough, but having a child on your own with zero support is probably the hardest thing in the world. So X, you really need to think about that before making your decision.
Whether you keep the baby, abort it or give it up for adoption – the decision is ultimately up to you, but you can’t do or think about any of that until you talk to your parents. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for everyone to deal with. So there’s no beating around the bush on this one – be clear, calm and straightforward.
“Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant.”
Yes, the reaction you’re afraid of will likely happen – they’ll be angry and disappointed, so be prepared and try to understand that their feelings are only coming from a place of love and concern. Let them have their time to freak the hell out and once that’s out of the way, give yourself time to express your feelings and fears.
Like any big decision in life you have to think about how it will impact your future and you can’t pretend that you can have this baby without anyone knowing or caring. If you really want to be taken seriously and really be treated like a mature woman, then you need you face this head on.
Thanks for writing in and of course keep me posted! xx
