Parenthood
- What exactly is parenting?
- How do I find out about parenting?
- What do I need to be a good parent?
- Must the father of the baby be involved?
- What happens after the baby is born?
- What if I change my mind?
- Can I keep it secret?
- Making the decision
- Further sources of information and help
What exactly is parenting?
Parenting is a lifelong commitment, and means being the legal guardian and carer of a child, usually one that you give birth to or adopt, though some people become parents to the children of their partner.
How do I find out about parenting?
There are lots of resources and organisations available to help and support parents, including younger parents. These include:
What do I need to be a good parent?
Parenting is a big responsibility. As well as very practical needs such as money, somewhere to live, clothing and equipment, you will also need support from other people, love and patience. If you want to either work or continue your education you will need childcare arrangements in place.
Must the father of the baby be involved?
The decision about whether to continue with a pregnancy or not rests with the woman, though you may want to involve your partner in the decision-making.
If you decide to continue the pregnancy and become a parent, you may wish your partner to have a role. This may be something he is willing and happy to do. Having the practical and emotional support of the father may be very helpful in the long run.
If he does not want to be involved, he may still be compelled to make a financial contribution to the child.
What happens after the baby is born?
After the birth, you may stay in hospital overnight, or longer, depending on how the birth went and the health of you and your baby. You will need to register the birth within 42 days – the hospital staff will give you guidance on this, or you can call the General Register Office, 0151 471 4805.
Once you are back at home, you will get regular visits from a health visitor or midwife, to see if you need any help and to monitor the baby’s development.
What if I change my mind?
If you decide against becoming a parent, you may still have the option of ending the pregnancy, though this will depend on how advanced the pregnancy is. You will also have the option of putting the child up for adoption.
Can I keep it secret?
You might be tempted to keep the pregnancy secret while you pluck up the courage to talk to your parents or partner, but it is important to get good medical care and advice from early on in pregnancy. As soon as possible, talk to a professional who can help you and will keep your conversation confidential (for more information see confidentiality.
You might want to continue with the pregnancy against the wishes of your family or partner. If you feel that you are at risk of harm within the home because of your decision, you need to contact someone who can help:
Childline, tel: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Connexions tel: 080 800 13 2 19 www.connexions-direct.com
Making the decision
The decision you make about your pregnancy is very important and finding out information on all of your options will be essential in making up your mind about it.
Ignoring your pregnancy, or leaving your decision to the last minute, however, could mean that your options are limited.
Learn more about Pregnancy decision-making.
Further sources of information and help
- Maternity Action including benefits and employment advice
- Family Lives online and telephone advice and support for parents
- Directgov advice for young people advice on careers, health and more
- Fathers Direct campaigning for better education and employment for fathers
- Gingerbread support and advice for single parents