crisis pregnancy
Under Peer Pressure
Wear Nike sneakers. Experiment with alcohol. Smoke a cigarette. Go on a diet.
Kids today bombard each other with these and a thousand other "suggestions." No one wants to stand apart from his or her peers. As a result, each kid feels the pressure to follow the crowd.
Adolescents can be compared to sheep because of their insecurities while forming and developing a separate identity from their parents. Kids may also pressure each other to conform to what they see in advertising, movies, music and television. Girls believe they should always have a slim waistline. Boys think they should be muscular or should only date a certain type of girl.
Because of peer pressure, kids may experiment with hair, make-up and clothes or they may disrespect those in authority, such as teachers and parents. That's bad enough. But peer pressure doesn't stop there. If they receive positive affirmation from their peers that they don't receive at home, the pressure to commit criminal acts, experiment with drugs or alcohol or engage in risky sexual behavior may be too great to withstand.
As a parent, you can help your kids resist the lure of negative behavior and help them discover that people respect those who are willing to be an individual.
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
