Am I Ready to be a Parent?

Teenage pregnancy can seem daunting at first glance. You may not know what to do next let alone if you are ready to be a parent. If you need to talk to someone, call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free, unbiased support on what to do next.

Although we are an adoption agency, our 24/7 helpline is designed to give you the support you need, not push you toward one decision or another. The thought of being a teen parent may be overwhelming and the last thing you need is someone telling you what to do.

Fill out the form online to learn more about how to figure out if you are ready to be a teen parent.

Am I Ready to Be A Parent?

If you are asking yourself this question, then you may not be aware of the ins and outs of parenting. Parenting as a teen can bring many challenges.

Not being ready to parent is OK. Being a parent is a huge responsibility, being a teen parent is just as much of a responsibility without factoring in that you are continuing to grow and learn more about yourself too.

If you are ready to parent, then you need to think about the sacrifices you will need to make for the well-being and future of your baby.

Here’s a look at some of those challenges:

Finances

One way you can know if you are ready to be a young parent or not is your financial situation. Of your three options when it comes to your pregnancy, parenting is the most costly.

The most recent report released by the United States Department of Agriculture says that the cost of raising a child through age 17 is $233,610.

Even if you have a part-time job, it’s common for teens to be financially dependent on their parents. It would be difficult to afford to raise your baby if you are still financially dependent on your parents without their help.

Finances are vital when deciding if being a teen parent is an option for you.

Balancing Parenting and School

If you have high aspirations for your education and career, then that would have a big impact on how hard it would be to be a teen parent.

If you are going to school, who is taking care of your baby? Having childcare while you attend school ties back into the financial aspect of whether you are ready to be a parent.

Being a teen parent and a parent in general means that your own goals and interests take a back seat to raise your baby.

Having plans for after high school, whether that’s going to college as a teen parent or pursuing a career, will be impacted by parents as a teen.

Taking a step up to higher education or diving into a professional career requires a lot of time and energy, just like parenting.

Contact us online to get more free information about what these challenges entail and your options moving forward. If you need immediate support, call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Support System

Even if you are ready to be a parent, you need the right support system around you, especially as a teenager.

If the birth father isn’t in your life at this point, you need to ask yourself if you are ready to be a single parent. If your parents support your decision or are willing to help is another example of the type of support that can help you balance being a teen parent.

Having the support of a partner, close friends and family is important but even beyond that, is knowing whether they can offer the type of support that allows you to achieve your goals and dreams while parenting as a teen.

I Am Not Ready to Be a Parent [Your Options]

There is nothing wrong with knowing you are not ready to be a parent right now. If parenting as a teen isn’t something you are ready for, here are your two options:

Abortion

When it comes to abortion, you need to be aware of your state’s laws.

In Iowa, you must be less than 21 weeks, and 6 days pregnant for an abortion to be legal. As a teenager, you have to notify a parent or legal guardian to get an abortion.

You can consult with a local doctor or Planned Parenthood to find out more.

Adoption

Adoption is an option if you are not ready to be a parent. Adoption may be an option in your circumstances but only you can know if it’s right in your situation.

Choosing adoption means

• A loving family for your baby

• Help with rent and bills

• A brighter future for you and your baby

Adoption means giving your baby the life you envision for them, giving them a world of opportunity with the perfect family that you get to choose.

“Adoption means you have two families. One is the family that gave you life, and the other is the family that gave you a home. Because of adoption, I am special.” said Mia, an adoptee. 

Adoption also allows you to take back control of your life. You can focus on your personal goals knowing that your baby is living a happy, healthy life with the adoptive family you know is giving them the life they deserve.

Adoption doesn’t mean saying “goodbye” for forever either. Although closed adoptions used to be the industry norm, about 95% of adoptions today are open to some extent.

Open adoption allows you to stay as connected as you would like with your baby and the adoptive family. That communication can look like:

• Email

• Text

• Phone calls

• Video chat

• And more

The level of contact is ultimately whatever you are comfortable with.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION for immediate and free, unbiased support or use this form to learn more about adoption. 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.