crisis pregnancy
A Parent's Role
- Examine your attitudes and behaviors regarding weight and appearance. Talk with your children about genetic differences in body types and the devastating effects of prejudice.
- Examine what you are modeling — acceptance of self in all circumstances, appropriate and reasonable measures to deal with body functioning and size or self-condemnation, open or subtle criticism of spouse's body, extreme diets, etc.
- Examine your dreams and goals for your children and other loved ones. Are you overemphasizing physical appearance and body shape, particularly for girls?
- Avoid categorizing foods as "good" and "bad" and be a good role model by eating sensibly, using exercise as a path to good health and enjoyment and accepting yourself.
- Do not avoid activities (such as swimming, sunbathing, etc.) because they call attention to your weight and shape.
- Do whatever you can to encourage your teenager's self-respect based on intellectual, spiritual, athletic and social endeavors.
- Practice and demonstrate taking people for what they say, feel and do — not for how thin they are.
- Be committed to helping your family become discerning regarding media messages which distort the true diversity of human body types and imply that a slender body means happiness and success.
- Discuss celebrities whose lives are dysfunctional and filled with problems in spite of having the "perfect body."
- Look at what's wrong with the message "thin is best" rather than what's wrong with your body.
- Educate your children about weight discrimination and their responsibilities for preventing it.
- Remember, if parents are sensible about food, kids will be too.
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
