Child-Development Illiteracy: A Growing Problem?

212152 Resource 190283 190808 190808 1220416314687 1220632465395 Controlled Teen Pregnancy: Same Problem, Same Answer

And it's not a political one . . .

Sometimes issues such as unmarried teen pregnancy are used as political weapons when they are actually problems that belong to society as a whole. Teen pregnancy in particular isn't a problem that occurs in one political camp, or that can be traced to a single party, class, race or nation.  Prominent teens like Americans Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin find themselves sparking political and religious debates on issues that may never have crossed mind of either girl.  Nevertheless, they are used as pudding proof against varying agendas that have little to nothing in common.These two premature mothers may live thousands of miles apart, but to all intents and purposes they live in the same society with the same influences. In all likelihood they're exposed to the same media, the same role models, the same curricula in school. It matters not a whit what their political views are, or what the views of their parents are.The point remains the same: study after study underscores the fact that it's not ideal for unmarried teens to risk pregnancy. Even if a young mother plans to eventually marry the child's father, there are associated difficulties: does a child exert unnecessary pressure on an otherwise promising relationship? Will the grandparents ensure that the young couple has the required help to overcome the demands of a new baby on young parents and a young marriage?Obviously there are situations where a normally responsible young girl with high aspirations drops the ball. How does one know whether anyone fits that description?  One doesn't. From outside the situation one can only hope the young mother, the young father and their families turn their collective attention to providing adequately for the physical and emotional needs of the newest family member. 9 application/xml false family relationships palin spears teen pregnancy Child-Development Illiteracy: A Growing Problem? The first needs of human beings include cuddling, healthy touch and gentle, affectionate stimulation. Unfortunately, parental "literacy" in child-development has declined in recent decades, and as a result, too many children suffer the consequences of complete neglect or from high doses of the wrong kind of stimulation. http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/article.aspx?id=3572 Like Father, Like . . . Daughter? Society is beginning to admit that a father is important to a boy's well-being, but the question of how important fathers are to the well-being of their daughters has all but been ignored. http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/article.aspx?id=3438 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; InfoPath.1) 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 gstepp 66.125.198.98 false true false false true 191587 false false true false false false true 212595 Resource 191587 173239 190808 1221076815889 1221526940342 Controlled Product of a teenage mother

Gina,I am the product of a 16 year old mother. In the South as it was in the 1960's my birthmother was given only one socially acceptable and legal option for her pregnancy..to move away to a state run, unwed mother's home and give me up for adoption.I had a wonderful childhood with parents who were devoted to me and ready to be parents. When I met my birthmother I was 30, she was 46. There is no doubt to either of us that she did the right thing for both of us. Teen parenting is difficult even in the best of circumstances.I don't know what the answer is. Maybe there isn't one, expect the obvious answer..be there for our girls and boy to give them the emotional support they need to make responsible decisions, whatever that decision turns out to be. And rally around the babies that result from these untimely unions.Best Wishes,Lisa 10 application/xml false Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; SU 3.1; .NET CLR 1.0.3705; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; Media Center PC 4.0) 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 68.104.37.221 false true false false true 212855 Resource 191587 190808 190808 1221527433878 1221527433878 Controlled Teenage Mother

I completely agree, Lisa. It's sad that the response has often been to cut ties with children and grandchildren just when they need help most. I had an Aunt in a similar situation. It would seem far more productive for parents and the surrounding community to concentrate instead on providing the support and help that is needed by everyone involved (the young parents and the new baby) if they want to ensure that problems aren't perpetuated in the next generation.  10 application/xml false Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; InfoPath.1) 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 gstepp 66.125.198.98 false true false false true 190283 blog blogsite/FamilyMatters/web