To help a teen mother work through the struggles of being a single parent.

OVERVIEW

Several problems confront the teenage mother as a result of her age and place in society. Education, family relationships, and friendships are all disrupted while she adapts to the role of being a single parent.

PURPOSE OF INTERVENTION

There are several options for a youth worker who wants to help a teen mother:

• Provide emotional support and friendship to the young mother who is experiencing strained relationships or isolation.
• Be a liaison for various programs and people who can meet the needs of the teenage mother. She may need assistance in financial planning, bargain shopping, role modeling, and recreation.
• Provide physical support: for example, errand rides, babysitting, or parenting skills.

PRINCIPLES OF INTERVENTION

Accept the young lady as she is and to lovingly challenge her to grow through the experience. Youth workers cannot make it easier, but it is possible to lighten her load and help her effectively face her stresses and challenges.

• Be an adult friend rather than a peer.
• Listen to her struggles and needs; offer appropriate feedback.
• Be aware of the available resources in the area and in the church.
• Realistically, do not expect much in return for your efforts.

PRECAUTIONS

• Do not be manipulated into doing too much; it may overwhelm you and leave her dependent or resentful.
• Do not hastily make suggestions; avoid criticism. In other words, the phrase, "Have you considered…," will be received better than, "You should...".
• Many programs exist to help young mothers. Know the community’s resources so that your referrals are appropriate and worthwhile.
• The youth worker’s role to help is limited by the mother’s willingness to receive aid and potentially her parent’s preferences.

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS

Providing additional information to the teen mother or her parents may be helpful: stress, adolescent development, teenage fathers, self esteem, and family systems are all relevant issues.

IMPLICATIONS

1. The teenage mother needs an advocate and friend.
2. Some of the consequences of teenage motherhood can be mitigated. They need the opportunity and help to do so.
3. There will be opportunities to offer grace and forgiveness, but also the opportunity to affirm right decisions and new directions.
4. Teen mothers can be nurtured to grow into the roles which they have undertaken. It is possible.

Kimberly Murphy cCYS