"Supporting your Teen through Unplanned Pregnancy".

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Good day, people of Hive! Welcome to my blog. Today's topic is from Hive-naija. So let's dive into it.

As a parent, learning that your teenage daughter is pregnant, especially when she's just about to start university, can be a shock. As a parent, it's normal to feel angry and disappointed because of your daughter's actions, especially since you've taught her to be careful yet she neglected the lesson taught from you. But we should also remember as parents that this is a challenging moment or situation for her too; even though she neglected the lesson, we should make sure to be there for her. The best way to handle such news or shock is to stay calm and show her your love and support.There are steps we can take in such a situation.

Firstly, we should stay as calm as possible. When you first heard the news from your daughter that she's pregnant, your first reaction might be to be upset, angry, beat her, or even neglect her, as your daughter is telling her to take full responsibility of her action by caring for herself, but try to hold back any immediate action. Take your time to listen to her, ask her how it happened, and ask her to share how she feels and what she thinks about the situation. Show her your love and let her know no matter what, you're there for her and that she's not alone in that situation. Listen to her without getting angry, because if you don't, she won't feel safe and comfortable talking to you.

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Secondly, offer her your reassurance and support, letting her know that everyone makes mistakes because if you don't, she might be scared and unsure of the future, and she might be worrying about disappointing you because if you don't show her your support and reassurance, she can abort the pregnancy, which can be risky for her if either she loses her life while doing the abortion or something happens during the process. The chances are slim. You must guide and support her so that she can feel that you're on her side.

However, talk about her options together, whether she wants to raise the baby herself, do adoption, or make other arrangements. As a parent, you can offer advice and let her feel that she has a say in what happens next. Respecting her decision will make her feel more responsible and capable of handling the situation.

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Also, since she got pregnant when she's about to start her university. Talk to her about how her education can still be a priority, whether she will defer her university admission for a year or she will continue her education while she's pregnant. But let her know and understand that she can still achieve her dreams and goals.

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Furthermore, in such situations that call for maturity, it's an opportunity for her to learn about responsibility. Talk to her and let her know about what it means to take full responsibility for her actions. Help her see this experience as a chance to grow stronger and learn important life lessons.

Lastly, throughout her pregnancy, be there for her as a strong support system, e.g., helping her with a doctor's appointment or just being a listening ear whenever she needs it.

In addition, make sure to stay involved in her life, guiding her towards positive choices. Encourage her to continue settling her goals for herself and working hard towards them. Your role as a parent or supportive parent will mean a lot to her, especially as she learns how to balance her new responsibilities with her personal dreams.

In conclusion, with your support, staying calm, listening, and providing the support she needs, you can help her make the best of a challenging situation.

This is my entry for the Hive-Naija Weekly Prompt Edition 71

Thanks for reading ❤❤❤❤❤.