Experts Advise Families on Handling Teen Pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue in Thailand, ranking second in ASEAN. Experts warn that forcing marriage is not the solution and urge families to respond with understanding, support, and proper guidance. Parents should accept the situation, listen empathetically, respect the child's decisions, and provide emotional and practical care.
Accept what has happened. Parents may feel disappointed when they learn their child is unexpectedly pregnant while still in school. What they should do is accept the situation and work together to find a solution, seeking advice from psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or general doctors as needed.
Listen with understanding and provide counseling. An unexpected pregnancy can leave a teenager feeling helpless and unsure how to deal with such a serious problem. Parents should listen empathetically, show they understand the child's feelings, and reassure the child they are not alone. They can discuss options such as raising the child, adoption, prenatal and postnatal health care, or terminating the pregnancy.
Respect the decision. Joint decision‑making requires acknowledging each other's reasoning without letting emotions take over. Most importantly, parents must respect their child's choice, explain the possible positive and negative outcomes of each option, but ultimately give weight to the child's own reasoning.
Look after emotional well‑being. Pregnancy at school age often brings strong stress and pressure. If parents notice the child withdrawing, becoming depressed, isolating from peers, or resorting to unhealthy coping methods, they can take the child to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for further guidance.
Stay by the child’s side. Offering encouragement helps the child feel supported and not alone.
