Children With Teen ParentsBy Alyssa Bricker

How common is it? • “In 2011, a total of 329,797 babies

were born to women aged 15–19 years, for a live birth rate of 31.3 per 1,000 women in this age group.” (Center for Disease Control)

• These numbers are dropping, however, teen pregnancies occur every day.

Problems Associated with this Risk Factor

• Higher chances of premature births. “The children of adolescents are more likely to be born prematurely and 50% more likely to be low-birth weight babies.” (CDC)

• Children who are born from adolescent parents tend to have more developmental problems.

• General health problems… “According to parents’ reports of their children’s health status, 60% of children born to non-teen mothers were rated in “excellent” health, compared to 38% for children born to the youngest adolescent mothers.” (CDC)

Problems Cont…• These children are twice as likely to suffer from child

abuse and neglect. (as well as being placed in foster homes)

• “The children of adolescent mothers are at higher risk for problems in affect regulation, including both flattened affect and aggressive behavior.” (CDC)

• Studies show that these children generally perform worse cognitively than children born from adult parents.

• They are more likely to drop out of high school when they are teenagers.

• They are also likely to repeat the cycle of teen pregnancy.

Here is an informative video about the harsh realities of teen

pregnancy.• http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_32noSYLuw

A Common Assumption

• Although statistics may disagree, I do fell that some teen parents do end up giving their child a wonderful life. I think it is vital we do not overlook all teen parents just because of statistics. It seems as though the more financially stable and the more support the teen parents have, the better the child's life will turn out. If they can establish this at a young age, they can provide a great childhood for their offspring regardless of whether they are a teen or not.

The Cycle• Society is absolutely trying to break the cycle of teen

pregnancy. When you look at the rates of how many children from teen parents end up being teen parents themselves, the numbers are astonishing. In todays times, technology is helping to break this cycle. Many movies, reality television shows and news reports are shifting the opinions of teen pregnancy. The statistics are being revealed and teens are realizing how important contraceptives and graduation from high school really can be. The workplace is becoming more demanding so high school teenagers know that they must graduate in order to get a job. I think we will continue to see teen pregnancy rates drop.

Jackson County Parenting Education

Parenting Now

673 Market Street

Medford, OR 97504

Telephone: 541‐842‐2593

Fax: 541‐776‐5125

Website: www.jobcouncil.org

Parenting now is a great resource to find the childcare that is right for you.

EPHS Teen Parenting Program

Cristi Remick

PO Box 198

203 North Platt

Eagle Point, OR 97524

Telephone: 541‐830‐6720

www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us

Eagle Point High school has a great teen parenting program which is open to all teen in the area.

North Medford Teen Parenting Program

1900 North Keene Way Drive

Medford, OR 97504

Phone: (541) 842-3670

This program provides classes, transportation and childcare for teen parents while they are seeking their high school diploma.

How Can We Help As Teachers?

• First off, check out this organization…http://www.parentsasteachers.org/• They have programs dedicated to the development of children and

specialize in teaching students who are born from teen parents. I found a lot of great resources through this organization that I feel would benefit teachers in todays society.

More tips…• Make the classroom environment a

community. When children come from young families, they may not be receiving the support they need while in school. Therefore, we have to provide support and a safe space for the child to learn.

• Talk to the parents. The best way to get to know a child, is to get to know their parents. Find out the needs of the student and make the changes necessary to provide support for their learning.

• Do not make assumptions. Just because a child has teen parents, does not mean they are going to have educational or behavioral problems. However, do be ready to change things if these problems do come about.

Resources• http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/• http://www.parentsasteachers.org/• http://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/\

• Research digest. (2013). Nursing Children & Young People, 25(8), 12. (This journal was from the Hannon Library)