by Amanda Devlin

Created on: October 30, 2008

The moment that you take a pregnancy test whether you are 16 or you are 25 your life changes. That moment that their are two lines even your outlook on life is changing. Should you make the decision to keep the child I think the most important thing to think about is that you realize being a mother is quite rewarding but it is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week job. You are going to be responsible for another human being. From the outside being a mother may look fun and rewarding, but it takes a lot of work and dedication. I would also suggest looking at all outside sources. Do you have the support of family and friends. Because whether you are a teenage mother or wait until you are much older to become a parent, friends and family are a great support and much appreciated.

Life changes from the moment you have a baby. You no longer get to be number one because now a baby depends on you. The happiness and health of that child depends on each decision you make for the next 18 years and longer.

Being a teenage mother doesn't make you any less capable then anyone else having a family, but it does tend to put your life on hold. I would suggest no matter what you finish school whether you have to get help from government agencies to help with daycare so you can attend school to outside help from family. Education is so important and vital in order to ensure that you can offer your child more as he/she grows up.

There are great parenting classes that offer the basics of parenting and they express different scenario's that will and could happen in the first few years that educate you in what to do in each situation. Babies don't come with a handbook or instruction manual.

Be prepared that you won't get to attend Homecoming or Prom without thinking of your baby at home. You can't just grab your jacket and run out the door to meet your friends because you know have a little baby that depends on you to feed, clothe, and love him/her unconditionally. So, your life will change, but the question is are you ready to take on the responsibility.

Being a teenage mother is possible and we have seen many girls that have prevailed and made excellent mothers, finished college and raised incredible children that are now the lawyers, doctors, and other professional positions in this world. So, don't look at this as a mistake but more of a new journey and the only advise is are you ready because it is going to be a bumpy ride, but the most rewarding thing you have ever done.

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