Teenage Pregnancy--Sympathy Please!?

Question

I don’t understand why everyone gives teenagers who are pregnant so much sympathy just because of the situation they put themselves in! What is up with that? I do not believe in stereotyping anyone--especially teenage mothers but why give them sympathy? I don’t care about anyone’s age, it seems to me people on here who are young mothers or are young and pregnant always put “I’m 16 and…” Why should we care how old they are to answer their questions? You don’t see some one write “Hi, I’m 32 and…” Are pregnant teens trying to get sympathy or attention because of their age? I think a lot of teenagers put a really bad reputation out there for themselves and others in the same situation---therefore creating and adding to stereotypes . What are your feeling on this?

I was pregnant at seventeen. I am nineteen now. I do not expect sympathy and I'm very happy.

It does effect me. These teenagers are putting a bad reputation on all teenage pregnancies. That's why I care. I am sick and tired of getting stereotyped because of these kids! I am well educated, respectful, and had a child at 17...I don't understand how it is so hard for these people to act like normal people and not get sympathy. When I ask questions I say I am a "young mom" or a "first time mom." I don't say...I'm nineteen. I don't find it useful information and by doing that...I'm opening the doors for unwanted sympathy and stereotypes.

Actually I didn't live with my parents, I don't live with my parents. I was scared to death but never expected sympathy or pity. I did have a great support system---my boyfriend, who is my husband now. I got through it and expect others to do the same. I have taken very much responsiblity for my actions. I'm a damn good parent to my son and don't get help from the government or my parents. I do realize my question isn't helping anyone. I didn't put it out to help anyone. I put it out there to point out the fact that some teens expect people to say "poor, dear" instead of stepping up to the plate and taking care of thier buissness. Again, when I ask a question I don't say "I'm nineteen and my son is seven months old...?" I simply put my question--not my age. Why does it matter!

Answer 1

The ones who are screwing around are usually the attention-seekers anyway. So, when they get knocked up, they continue with the self-centeredness. It's really sad. Many of them continue to be self-centered after baby comes, and the baby gets taken away and given to people who really are ready for responsibility. It's all part of being a child, but if they're going to have sex, they can't act like children anymore.

Answer 2

Teenagers are stil very imature, and being pregnant and a teenager is probably really scary, not that any unplanned pregnancy isn't, but I really don't think they have the life experience and maturity to deal with all the emotions and feelings that come with the situation, and seek helpfrom either older woman, or even some their own age going through the same thing. Also, pregancy in teenagers carries a slightly higher risk of complications to the pregnancy, and realisticly, if I was answering a question and I knew that the person was a young teenager, I would probably choose my words and explanation diferantly than if I was talking to a 20-30 year old woman.

Answer 3

You can't understand because you haven't seen the difference in having a baby at 30 and having a baby at 16. Both mothers need support. I've heard women talking about when their 40 and pregnant are they looking for sympathy or support? This is a gray area... Some women have a harder time with being pregnant... some situations warrent a mother to say her age because doctors the law and just general public treat young mothers differently then older mothers... Some people need more support then you did... but most people aren't as pissed off as you so maybe you should take a lesson and chill... Just a suggestion...

Answer 4

YES!!!!! It's because of the stupid ones that teen mom's get stereotyped. It's also all the ones asking if there are any government programs to help them. If these idiots would take care of their responsibilities more often, there would probably be less stereotyping. I'm not calling all teen moms idiots, just the majority of them. I know there are some that take care of their own responsibilities; I was one of the ones that did. I do admit, I put my age and things in a lot of my answers and questions, but that's just there for the ones that choose to stereotype. I don't want sympathy, I don't need it at all. I just want the judge mental people to know that not all teen moms are welfare receiving, high school drop-out, worthless whores. I know I'm not.

Answer 5

Hi im 25 and...... I was a teen mom and didnt want anyones sympathy. I had my daughter when I was 17 and I dealt with the situation. I was old enough to make the decision for myself to have sex then I made the decision to keep the baby and raise her. Just because they mention their age doesnt mean they want sympathy. Maybe some of them are stating their age so that people know they're inexperienced and would appreciate an honst answer.

"Hello- I was a teenage mother. I finished high school graduated got a full time job and supported myself and my child. Im a stereotype and a statistic."

Answer 6

I think you should be a little more sympathetic.

There's already stereotypes for teen parents...and it's not because of the bunch that post here. The stereotypes stem from way back in the day when sex and love was in and teen pregnancies were unheard of.

The ones that do post questions here are obviously scared to death! They feel like they have nowhere to go and are looking for honest answers to questions they feel they can't ask anywhere else. Obviously, if they had a trusted adult they could turn too, do you really think they would be posting questions here??

Maybe you had a better support system, a better relationship with your parents...who knows? Give these teen mothers some slack. At least they are trying to take responsibility for their actions.

Answer 7

this is a situation with a lot of different angles. teens need more guidance than older women. i think that is where the major diff. is. when there are so many that have been there and done that, i think that is where the need for understanding is. teens do not view life the way a 30 or 40 yr old woman does. I feel that if you intend to do the deed then you need to be prepared to deal with the outcome. older women are more often more educated and grounded than teens. do not give them sypmathy give them guidance. give them informed educated resources (that is another topic) give them support, give them a shoulder to lean on, do not give them sympathy or a reason to give excuses. Give Them The Power to Give Love to The Child, Or Let the Child Go to Get Love From Those Who Can Love.

Answer 8

i do understand where you are coming from. it's really a good question to ask if people who get themselves into bad situations all on their own deserve sympathy. however, despite all of the knowledge we have and all of the prevention we can use to keep that sort of thing from happening, people do make dumb mistakes. but they are mistakes none the less. just because it could easily have been prevented doesn't mean these girls don't deserve a little sympathy. look at it this way. they're scared to death about bring a life into the world. they're scared to death of what their families will say or think. is that enough? i feel like because they have enough to worry about that maybe we should just say "look you really f---ed up, but i want you to know i'm thinking of you and that it will be ok." they have enough to think about without having anyone telling them they are stupid and they messed up. besides, you should know you're probably not the first to say it.

Answer 9

Its perhaps cuz teenagers aren't grownup yet, still emotionally unstable, and dependent on family or adults for some care and help in such a crisis. It may have been wrong to get themselves into such a situation, but being so young, they are less likely to be able to fall back on other life experiences to allow them to cope well in this situation, or make rationale decisions. If I was 32 and pregnant, i'd at least be more likely financially stable and independent to make more rationale decisions and cope with the situation.

Answer 10

I can understand your frustration but alot of them put their age so that people will understand that they are young, scared and have no idea what to expect while they are pregnant and when they give birth. Yes they do have some that do it for attention but not all of them do it for the attention and sympathy. I am assuming they put their age so that they won't look dumb asking a question. Idk...that is just my opinion