There’s some work and planning to do if you want to have a successful partnership. Bringing a child into a relationship can be difficult and can create a whole set of new challenges for you two to work on together.

First, talk about how having a child will change your lives. Is your relationship strong enough to survive the significant changes that come with a child? What does each person need to do to make the relationship more solid?

It’s also important to discuss how and where you’ll live—separately or together, in an apartment, at one of your parent’s homes or each at your own home.

You may also find it helpful to divide responsibilities for caring for the baby. Will one of you stay home during the day? Or will you both work or go to school and have a relative or day care provider care for your child? It’s important to discuss these options openly with your partner, thinking about each of your short- and long-term goals.

Spend a lot of time talking about these things. Basically, you’re figuring out the best ways to start building this new life. Many towns offer programs for teen parents. They can teach you how to prepare for life with a baby. They might even have counseling services to help the two of you strengthen your relationship and your parenting skills.

If you decide that the romantic part of your relationship won’t work, you still have a child to raise together. Some people call this “co-parenting,” which means sharing the various tasks of raising a child even though you’re no longer a couple. Kids can benefit from caring and supportive relationships with adults in their lives, including both of their parents when possible. Establishing some ground rules with your co-parent can be helpful. For example, you might agree to establish some of the following rules:

1. no arguing in front of the child
2. no bad-mouthing your partner in front of the child
3. be courteous and respectful to each other, and
4. keep your word and be dependable.

Children’s Hospital Boston has more information about healthy relationships and communication.