1. No Teenager is Ready to Raise a Baby

Your teen might be smart, motivated and wise beyond his or her years, but the simple fact is that no young person can possibly be prepared for parenting. This isn’t to say that it can’t be done. All parents learn as they go, but teen parents have to make sacrifices that are essentially inappropriate for their maturity levels. It’s better to realize this going in than it is to expect more of your teen than is possible.

2. Expect Friendships to Change

If your teen has a solid network of friends, it’s likely that many of them will be supportive. It’s also likely than many of your teen’s friendships will change in the months and years following the arrival of the child. It isn’t necessarily out of cruelty or judgment. It’s only natural. If your teen is busy at home with a baby, he or she will miss out on many of the bonding experiences that create a connection with peers.

3. There Will be Judgment

It may not come from close friends, but it’s safe to say that people in your local community will judge your family for having a teen pregnancy. They will jump at the chance to say “I told you so” whenever you and your teen are stressed with the new baby. No matter how you handle the situation, people will frown upon your actions.

4. It Will be Costly

The expenses of a new baby aren’t a joke. No matter how you’re doing financially, this will put a dent in things. Expect it, prepare for it best you can and know that all involved family members will need to put in extra effort to make this work.

If your teen hasn’t yet experienced a pregnancy, it’s not too late to ensure it doesn’t happen. Don’t delay having a serious talk about birth control and safe sex. It’s always worth it.