crisis pregnancy
Where Is This Coming From?
Anger is actually a secondary emotion. That is, it"s a combination of other emotions mixed together. Here is what"s probably going on inside of your daughter:
Behind anger there is always some kind of hurt — physical pain, disappointment or sadness. Often, this hurt is something in the present, such as not getting asked out for homecoming, doing badly on a test or missing her favorite TV show. There are times, however, when the hurt is an old wound that has never quite healed. Rejection by a friend. Harsh words spoken by a parent. A loss in her life. Wherever there is anger, hurt exists. Look for it.
Meanwhile, the catalyst for anger is anxiety. Hidden inside of her anger is some form of fear, worry, embarrassment or apprehension. The anxiety may be harder to uncover than the hurt. One way to do this is to hunt for the "what ifs" in her thinking. "What if nobody likes me?" or "What if I can"t handle the work load?" Where there is anger, there is anxiety, and it"s usually closely related to how she feels about herself or how others perceive her.
Whenever you mix baking soda with vinegar, you get the fizzies. Whenever you mix hurt with anxiety, you get anger. Try to help her identify both parts of this formula separately. See if she"ll talk out the hurt or disappointment. When it comes to the anxiety, help her challenge the "what ifs" of her thinking. If this challenge proves too formidable, it may help to enlist the wisdom of a youth pastor or counselor. The more she can manage these two emotions independently, the less she"ll experience the "fizzies" of anger. As a parent, if you find yourself angry at your teen, try this formula yourself. To teach is to learn twice!
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
