Becoming a Teenage Parent

Becoming a parent is hard enough. Becoming a parent while you yourself are still considered a child is even worse. Yes, you made the decisions that put you here, but that doesn't make it any less scary. If you're young and expecting, here are 5 things you should know before your little bundle of joy arrives.

1.) You're Not Alone

You are not the first teenager to get pregnant/get someone pregnant. In 2015 alone 229,715 babies were born to women between the ages of 15-19. Most, if not all, outside of marriage. And I'm sure, just like you, these women were scared to death about what the future held for not only their baby, but for them themselves.

2.) Tell Your Parents As Soon As Possible

Don't wait until you're six months pregnant and look like you diet binged on six pizzas and three gallons of ice cream. Tell them as soon as you can. Once you've confirmed it, take some time to think about how you and your partner (if you're planning on raising the baby together) want the "talk" to go down. I suggest talking alone, and getting straight to the point. "Mom, Dad, I'm pregnant." There's really no way to sugarcoat a baby. Don't be surprised if they want to confirm it themselves by buying pregnancy tests and watching you pee on them. They just want to make sure for themselves before taking the next step.

3.) Don't Miss Out On The Fun of Pregnancy Worrying About the Future

I know right now it seems scary, but everything will turn out alright eventually. If your parents are having a hard time dealing and you feel horrible about it, take some time from each other. If you can, stay with a family member for a while or a friend if that's and option. Enjoy knowing that you're about to bring a life into this world in nine short months. You'll experience the horrid joy of morning sickness, bloating/swelling, aching body, changes in looks and smells and the lovely hormone changes. Everything will affect you differently but there's a strange love you will begin to have for it knowing that it's all from your little one. Take plenty of belly pictures and watch your baby grow.

4.) DO NOT Drop Out

If you're still in high-school, which you probably are, dropping out is the last thing you want to do. If you want to have a good life for you and your unborn child, a high-school diploma is a VERY good way to start. People won't care as much as you think they will, if anything, they'll be all over you wanting to know about the baby. I mean, come on, who doesn't love babies? Just stay focused. Although with "pregnancy brain" it might be difficult but you can do it! Just a little determination can go a long way. 30% of girls that get pregnant in high-school drop out. Be the other 70%. Be able to tell your little one that mommy graduated. It'll make you feel like a million bucks.

5.) It's Not Easy

Being a parent in general isn't easy. Being a parent who is juggling raising a child, finishing school, keeping a semi social life and staying sane is harder than expected. There will be moments when you don't think you can do it but you will look into those little eyes that grew inside you for nine months and you'll realize there's nothing you'd rather be doing. It's the ride of a lifetime, but you'll never feel love like you will for your child.