Teen Parenting

Idaho CareLine: In Idaho, Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

Teen Parenting - Are You Ready for "Life in the Fast Lane?"

Every teen-ager has dreams and aspirations. Getting the newest CD, finishing high school or buying a car. Having a baby is a big deal and can throw a "curve" into future plans. Cruise through this web site to learn how to avoid those dangerous curves!	http://www.teenageparent.org (available in Spanish)
To order a copy of the video "Life in the Fast Lane," call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 or send your mailing address via e-mail to careline@dhw.idaho.gov

Despite recent declines, four out of 10 girls in the U.S. get pregnant at least once by age 20.

Among problems associated with adolescent births are:

Inadequate prenatal care;

Low-birth weight babies;

Higher public costs for out-of-wedlock pregnancies, health care, and welfare;

"Hidden costs" of delayed education or work force entry on the part of teen parents.

Among the many decisions we make in life, deciding "if" or "when" to become a parent should be a choice made with great thought and planning. Parenting is a life long commitment. It means you agree to take responsibility for your child and to do what is best for your child. Parenting requires planning and to have a sense of trust in your ability to handle the unknown. You will give much and you will gain much. Are you ready? Only you can decide! Before making this decision, you should explore your reasons for having a child.

What do you have to offer a child at this point in your life?
What would you enjoy about being a parent?
What would be difficult and what would be easy?
How will parenthood change your life, your relationship now or in the years ahead?
Are you ready for the changes that would result?
What are your partner’s views on this matter?

If you think you are ready to parent, the resources in the "Life in the Fast Lane" web site will help you in making that decision. If you are already a teen parent, the resources below and those in the "Life in the Fast Lane" web site will help you and your child succeed.

A parent's journey can also be a large part of personal development. How do you prepare for that which you cannot yet see or feel? How will you answer challenges you have not yet identified?

Getting help along the way will be a part of the journey, although you may not know exactly what help you will need. Children succeed in an environment in which the love and cooperation between parents is strong.

The decision to parent should include a shared vision for how children should be raised, and a workable plan for raising them. Do not be afraid to ask for help. The help is there through family, friends, the schools, community agencies, churches, books or web sites.

Success with Teen Parents and Their Babies — Working with teen parents provided by the National Network for Child Care.

KIDS COUNT DATA — Project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT is a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the United States.

Child Protection Services

Idaho Division of Medicaid