What if I feel I cannot take care of my child right now?
If you need help, ask for it.
Being a teen parent is stressful, especially if your parents or the baby’s other parent do not support you.
Parent Responsibilities
What kind of support can I expect from the other parent?
Some parents can provide
- financial support,
- health insurance for the child, and/or
- part of their Social Security, workers’ compensation, life insurance, or other benefits.
Can someone be a legal parent even if they’re not the biological parent?
Usually only biological or adoptive parents have rights and responsibilities to their children. But sometimes courts recognize other people as “presumed” or “psychological” parents.
What if I use drugs or alcohol?
You can be charged with child abuse if
- you use drugs or alcohol while pregnant and your baby is born with drug, alcohol, or other problems, or
- you use drugs or alcohol a lot around your young child
Can someone help me with parenting?
Yes.
Learning about parenting helps all parents. And there are resources in your community for teens who are pregnant or have a child.
What if I hurt my child?
You are responsible for caring for your child and keeping him/her safe.
What if the other parent and I don’t agree about important decisions in our child’s life?
Parents who do not agree on important decisions in the child’s life can talk to a counselor who may help you make an agreement.