For Families
As a family, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can put a strain on familial relationships. It can cause contention, frustration, and confusion within the home. And a positive, supportive, and loving home environment can truly make a difference for that person experiencing the unplanned pregnancy. In the end, it will make the decision-making process easier. And remember; making an informed decision about options for an unplanned pregnancy will be difficult and heart-breaking enough without adding familial commotion to it.
Whether your daughter is pregnant or your son’s girlfriend is pregnant, you will find additional information throughout this section that can help your family through this journey. No matter which situation you currently find yourself, here are some of the basics for families dealing with unplanned pregnancies:
Support System: A sturdy and reliable support system is important. Come together as a family, and show your love and support. Even if you don’t like the current situation, you can still support your daughter or your son’s girlfriend in making an informed decision and weighing the many options. If you feel you can’t adequately support that person, positive support groups are always available. At these support groups, she will find others who are currently in her same situation and others who have moved past it. She will have access to doctors and counselors. It will be a safe environment for her to share her experiences, fears, frustrations, concerns, and hopes. Whether or not you feel you can be her support, make sure she has some sort of reliable support system in place.
Professional Counselor: Having your daughter or your son’s girlfriend speak with a professional counselor is great for pre-decision, during the decision, and post-decision. The professional counselor or therapist can help her sort out her situation, her feelings, and her emotions. Through the use of a counselor, she can more fully understand her situation. And this is the first step to making an informed decision.
Informed Decision: The only way to make an informed decision is by studying all the options and determining which is best for the current situation. Making an informed decision also consists of respecting others by listening to their concerns, but ultimately making the decision on one’s own. This is a decision with which she will have to be comfortable and confident. It is a decision with which she will need to live with throughout her life.
Moving Forward: After the decision is made, it is time for her to move forward. Remember that there is a healing and coping time. This is different for everyone. Help where you can, but remember that everyone copes and deals with traumatic or sad events in different ways. If you’re concerned about her, refer her to a professional counselor or support group. They can help guide her to find happiness in her life and becoming stronger because of her life experiences.
The family has an important role to fill when someone in the family is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. To find out more ways you can help, continue through the rest of this section.
