Bristol during the election,
holding her brother Trig.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty
Bristol Palin, new mom and daughter of former VP candidate Sarah Palin, appeared on the Today Show in a interview with Matt Lauer. The subject? The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
Bristol, 18, of course announced her own pregnancy in the middle of her mother's candidacy, causing quite a public uproar. But in private was where Bristol had to do her real soul-searching. Like many new moms, especially teens, she may have underestimated the work involved in parenting. Now a mom to baby Tripp, her life has "completely changed,” Bristol told Lauer. “I’m up all night with [Tripp]. I’m constantly changing diapers and making bottles. Your priorities change 100 percent.”
Today, Bristol is a national spokesperson for the Candie's Foundation in their fight to prevent teen pregnancies in the US.
The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in the industrialized world. Each year, some 750,000 American teens get pregnant, according to the Candie’s Foundation. Half of them never consider how pregnancy will affect their lives, and eight out of 10 do not marry the father of their child.
In your opinion, are the generally reported facts and stats about teen moms too negative? Or are they an accurate reflection of the reality of teen pregnancy?
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Comments 9
Sad, but accurate! We live in such a weird, U.S. culture right now in regards to sex and sex education, especially where I live (Texas). "Don't get pregnant", is the message, yet our schools can only teach abstinence in sex education (like Sarah Palin supports). At the same time, so many parents don't talk to their kids at all about sex, so those teens get their information from other teens, or the media. And what's in the media? Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, the weekly, sometimes daily onslaught from Glamour and Cosmo we all look at when we're in line at the grocery store, and songs on the radio such as Britney Spears' "If You Seek Amy" (say that one fast). Adults in the media are "talking" to the average teen more than their parents, so with messages like that, and lack of information about birth control, what other statistics should we expect?
My older daughter is 14 1/2, bound for high school next year. My goal is open communication about everything, but as any parent of teens know, they are moody and often don't want to talk to parents. While I was very disappointed to see that Bristol Palin was pregnant, it sure was a good conversation-starter in our family. And that was one I was glad to share with my 10-year-old daughter as well.
Patricia, http://www.uncoolmom.com/
I'll be honest, I don't know very many teen moms but the ones I know aren't very good parents.
I'm sure there are a lot that are. I haven't met them. On the other hand I don't know how I would feel if I found out that because of me, my mom became the spokesperson for speaking out against teen pregnancy. Kind of feel sorry for that kid. As if being born into that family wasn't bad enough.
I'm sure there are a lot that are. I haven't met them. aurorabunny
Yes you have. ;)
I've met women who are in their mid-30's who are awful parents, don't care about their children at all, and seem to think that success in parenting is training your children to interfere with your life as little as possible. Then I've met some teen moms who dedicate their entire lives to doing the BEST they possibly can for their kids.
...And vice versa.
Being a good mom has nothing to do with age, and everything to do with maturity and selflessness, and willingness to educate one's self on what is TRULY best for your kids. There's going to be things that make it more difficult for every unique age group.
As far as Bristol, she said herself that abstinence is unrealistic. She has a name for herself right now, so I say she should use it to really let people know what it's like to be a mom, especially a young one.
Well maybe it is my classification....I don't really think of 19-20 year olds as "teen parents". When I think "teen parent" I guess I think 15, 16, 17.
Her brothers name is Twig?!?
Mybabybugs...the baby is named Trig. Just based on that I would question the stats quoted here.
As far as Bristol, she is in the unique position to talk to kids. If the adults will let her without constantly trying to discredit her. For example on the interview today Matt Lauer made a comment something to the effect of I see you loving him(the baby) and taking care of him and you seem to love him. Like all teen mothers hate their babies? What was that about.
LMAO! Twig Palin... hahahahahaha
That's an amazing typo..
We don't need a National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. What we need is open honest communication about sex with our children way before high school. By then its too late. Im not that interested in Bristol Palins story. shes not a typical teenage parent anyway, shes not poor for one, her mother and father have money and that makes a big difference! I know alot of teen moms, i was one, some of us were good moms some of us weren't. It has alot to do with how you were raised, what your financial situation is, (or your parents) and what kind of relationship you have with the other parent. There is also a difference between a 14 year old getting pregnant and an 18 year old.
I have read all the comments on teen pregnancy and it scares me to think of the enormous responsibility taking care of a baby has one someone so young. I have found myself in a unique postion regarding this issue. My son started dating this girl and one week later she finds out she is pregnant. She had had a short relationship kinda one night stand sorta thing before dating my son. Fortunately my son and I have a very good relationship and we have talked about what this new development in their relationship may mean. He wants to stay with the girl to help her through the pregnancy. It is not his child and the father of the child wants nothing to do with the baby. The girls family are very supportive and have told my son that he is not responsible for the baby. I can't help think that it is a lot for a 19yr old to think about. What do you all think about his position?