 While single parenting is not easy, it may be the right choice for you. We applaud you for choosing “life’ for your child and it is important for you to be able to provide a safe and stable home for your child. Single parenting can be very stressful and there are some things that you may want to consider.
Will the birthfather be supportive of my decision to be a single parent?
Birthfathers have certain and specific rights, but they are limited, in each state. He may or may not choose to cooperate with your plan as a single mom and it may be a good idea to talk with him about this before your child is born to learn if he will be supportive of or opposed to your plan. If he threatens to oppose your adoption plan, it may be helpful to have a third party (New Beginnings provides this service to our birthmothers) remind him that he will be financially responsible for the child if he opposes your adoption plan. As a single mom, you may also want to consider rights he may have in regard to visitation and custody.
What about finishing high school and going on to college?
Many single parents have completed high school and obtained a college degree. Being a single parent does not mean you cannot successfully overcome challenges you will face. However, the challenges are great and a high percentage of single mothers do not complete high school or college. How successful you are will likely depend on the extent of support you receive from your parents, the birthfather and whether or not you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to attend school, work and parent at the same time.
Where will I live after my baby is born?
Unless you have significant financial resources, “making it totally on your own” may prove to be very difficult depending on your age and level of education, as well as your employment opportunities. Your best option for housing will likely be with your parents and we encourage you to discuss your options with them.
What if I choose to parent and then decide I am not able to deal with the stress and responsibility?
You may make an adoption plan at any time after you take your child home.
Things to consider
- Only 40% of teen mothers will graduate from high school
- Less than 8% of teen dads marry their child’s mom
- 50% of children raised by teen mothers are referred to social service agencies
Risk to the Children:
- Insufficient health care
- Poverty
- Abuse and neglect
- School Failure
- Growing up without a father
Father Need:
- 90% of homeless and runaway children come from fatherless homes
- 71% of pregnant teens come from a fatherless home
- 82% of male inmates in U.S. prisons come from a fatherless home
Statistics from “Decisions, Choices & Options” (Joi Wasill)
Did You Know?
New Beginnings offers free life-skills classes, options counseling, budget planning and other training to birth mothers who may have chosen to parent or who may be making an adoption plan. The Genesis Program option is available to you upon request. For more information online, please click to request Genesis Program information.
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