A Closer Look: The Effect of Teenage Pregnancy on Family

It may not be a subject that parents are well aware of, but there is an alarming rise in “pregnancy pacts” among teens. Girls are now deciding to get pregnant on their own instead of avoiding it. This may be due to how glamorous pregnancy is portrayed by movies or teen stars like Nickelodeon’s Jamie Lynn Spears. These young girls may not be aware about the impact their choice may have on all the members of the family.

It may not be a subject that parents are well aware of, but there is an alarming rise in “pregnancy pacts” among teens. Girls are now deciding to get pregnant on their own instead of avoiding it. This may be due to how glamorous pregnancy is portrayed by movies or teen stars like Nickelodeon’s Jamie Lynn Spears. These young girls may not be aware about the impact their choice may have on all the members of the family.
Younger Brothers
The effect of teenage pregnancy on family is not always easy to see. However, it is able to affect even younger siblings of the teen mother or father. For siblings who are in their preteens (or younger), they are more likely to resent their older sister or the new baby due to the amount of attention they are receiving.
One study showed that younger brothers of the teen mother are more tolerant of early and non-marital pregnancies. They are also more likely to exhibit high risk behaviors.
Younger Sisters
For younger sisters of those who became teen mothers, studies show that they too are less likely to put importance on their education or employment. They were more likely to accept early parenthood, marriage and premarital sex. Those who have spent babysitting their nephews or nieces at an early age were found to be more susceptible to getting pregnant at an early age themselves. The effect of teenage pregnancy on family starts a very problematic trend for all those involved.
Parents
The parents are usually the ones who feel overwhelmed when they find out their teen is pregnant or has gotten someone pregnant. The effect of teenage pregnancy on family is the top concern, however, parents must also be able to get past the negative feelings in order to effectively support the family at this critical time.