A key to surviving teenage parenthood is to have mutual support and
hope for the future. Befriend others who know what you are going through.
As mentioned above, start a support group if there isn’t already one in
your community. Tell yourself that the first year or so will be
difficult, but you are strong enough to make your decisions, and you can
handle the challenges that lie ahead.
The most stable young families are
those that have the most support, so if your relationship with your family
is distant, surround yourself with friends. These are probably not the
same friends you went to the mall with before you became a parent, and
you will probably have to make a conscious effort to make such
friendships, but it is well worth the effort.
There are schools in the US and Canada especially designed for teenage
parents. These provide the perfect solution for kids who feel rejected
by family and peers, because everyone who attends these schools is in
the same situation. Some schools have a half a day schedule to
accommodate part-time work commitments. There are often classes in parenting
and nutrition. Usually, there are day care facilities on the premises and
job hunting resources. Check the phone book or the internet for
schools for teenage parents in your area.
Whatever decide, tell yourself that you can make it. Nothing in this
life happens without a reason, and even if you regret the circumstances
that caused your early parenthood, your child has no regrets, but
unconditional love and confidence in you.