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When you find out that your daughter is pregnant, several emotions may go through you all at once. You may feel angry, disappointed, afraid, and even guilty for not protecting or watching over your daughter better.

Despite what your child may say or show, this is bound to be a difficult time for her, especially as the reality of the pregnancy sets in.

As you talk to your child, it's important to realize that she has suddenly become a young person with a tremendous responsibility and important decisions to make. This isn't the time to make decisions for her or to treat her like a child.

Lay down the possible options and talk over each one of them, make sure that your child understands each so that she can make a responsible and informed choice.

Abortion
The first thing that a person may think about when suddenly faced with the reality of an unwanted pregnancy is to get an abortion. Some see it as a quick fix for a problem.

A lot of girls go through abortion without really considering what the possible consequences could be. This leaves them with guilty feelings that they contend with for a long time. The truth that most teenage girls don't know is that abortion has emotional and physical repercussions. It's far from being the "quick fix" that some people think it is. Encourage your child to talk to a counselor to learn more about this option as well as other available options.

Keeping the baby
If your daughter decides to keep the baby, talk about the status of her relationship with the father of the child and whether he plans to have any involvement in child rearing. Inform your child that she doesn't have to get married with the father of the baby, and that this is something they can think about later on, when they are older. Having a baby together is a poor excuse for getting married.

Discuss the finances involved in taking care of a child. Sit down and crunch the numbers and ask your child how she plans on supporting her baby. You can provide help and support, of course, but part of the consequence of motherhood is having to do something to actually raise it.

Getting pregnant is a serious thing. Young women who are not made to face the consequences of their actions will be more likely to repeat their mistakes because they have not learned from it. Taking away the consequences of one's actions does a lot of harm than good.

Putting the baby up for adoption
Should your child decide to put up the baby for adoption, let her know what her options are. Inform her that she can pick the adoptive family and even arrange for visitations. It's also important to know that different states have different laws regarding adoption. Talking to a counselor about adoption can help answer any questions you may have about it.