In our fast-changing world, it's worrisome to see that most teenagers gradually derail from the teachings of their parents and embrace a total different lifestyle that seems suitable to them. I read from one hiver, and he mentioned that teenage pregnancy is a crime in his culture, and I was like, wow, I wish such can be brought down to my culture too; perhaps it can instill fear in some teenagers here who don't see anything wrong in engaging in premarital sex that often interferes with their parent's plan for their future.
The pre-adult stage is critical, and at this stage, both parents and guardians are expected to stay alert in the continuous guidance of their teen to curtail some of the negative attitude they exhibit, especially from the pressure that comes with their peers. It's quite understandable that even with much parenting training, some teens still do what pleases them, including portraying characters that go against moral ethics, and that's because you can only take a horse to the river but can't force it to drink water.
To answer this week's prompt, which says assuming my daughter, who is pursuing her university admissions, disobeyed all of my teachings and guidance and went on to get impregnated, what will be my reaction?. Well, the joy of every parent is having children who will make them proud and not bring disappointment to their family, and so no parent who diligently played their parental duty in the life of their daughter will take such a news lightly. So obviously, I will get furious with such embarrassing news. I will even feel that I have totally failed as a parent, but that's not really the case but rather the next line of action for the huge mistake being made.
You see, a lot of African parents handle this kind of case differently, and I have observed the diverse approach, which seems like worsening the issue that is already bad. One thing we should know is that some of these teens actually engage in premarital sex due to infatuation and not really because they genuinely love each other. Some of the guys responsible for the pregnancy have nothing to do to earn a living. There could just be different factors that made them engage in sexual interactions that resulted in pregnancy.
Having said that, some parents don't care as long as pregnancy is involved; they just push their daughter to the man for marriage immediately. The many experiences I have had on this, the marriage never lasted, and it's filled with torture in the life of the woman. Imagine a man who doesn't really love you enough being forced to marry you. That's just slavery, if you understand what I mean.
I will be mad if my daughter does such a thing, and why I punish her with my right hand, I will offer my second hand to be the shoulder she leans on. I wouldn't throw her out of my house or disown her like many of our African parents do because this case always happens here, like so often. I wouldn't also advise her for an abortion; that wouldn't happen unless it's a rape case from robbers. I wouldn't end the beautiful future I plan for her because of the mistake, but I will make her go through a life-changing punishment that forever in her life, she will strive to heed her parents guidance and extend the training to her future children.
One of my sister-in-laws has been dying slowly in the hands of a man who her parents forced her to marry because she got pregnant for the man. Her life has been miserable, her aim to be a medical doctor terminated. Such a brilliant lady, it's sad. Even though this action isn't a pleasant one, mistakes are bound to be made; sadly, this is a huge one, but I will rather seek out ways to handle it and be sure that my daughter still has a beautiful future with her academic pursuit. Thereafter, after having the child, if she still loves the guy who got her impregnated, she can go ahead and marry him if they both have mutual love; otherwise, everyone goes their separate ways pursuing their life goals.
Overall, the goal is to remain steadfast with my parenting duties to avoid unnecessary drama from my children, and always praying for them to live uprightly.
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Images were taken and edited in canva
