There are many, many pros and cons to think about. Here’s our list of things to take into consideration.

Possible Pros

Parenting, including loving a child and being loved in return, watching that child grow and develop and playing and having fun together, can be one of the most joyful experiences in life.

Most people, both teens and adults, find that becoming a parent pushes them to a new level of responsibility. A parent realizes that a child is completely dependent, so that parent may get and keep a job to support the child. Some teens or adults may really enjoy this responsibility. It can be rewarding, though difficult, work.

Possible Cons

Teen parents cannot live the life of a typical teenager. You will not be able to go out with friends as often. You will have to figure out how to finish school while caring for a baby who needs care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your life will revolve around another person who depends on you.

Teen parents need money because raising a child is expensive. Many teen parents are still in high school, so they don’t necessarily have the skills or experience to get a job that supports them as well as a baby. If they drop out of high school to work, teen parents may only qualify for lower-paying jobs, because they don’t have a high school diploma. Those teen parents who go on to higher-paying careers may have to depend on the support of parents or others in their lives while they continue with high school, skill training or college.

Babies also change relationships between couples. Parenting can put a lot of stress on even the most solid relationships, from financial and other day-to-day stress. If the couple splits up, there can be bad feelings and conflict that may interfere with the support needed to raise a child. Despite this, children can benefit from the positive involvement of both parents. Being a parent may mean working hard to maintain good communication with someone you are no longer involved with.

Get more information about teen parenting, and be sure to check out more FAQs and teen-written stories about teen parenting.