Very well said Mommy81. I agree with you. Sometimes life lessons are learned the hard way,but in the end...you realize while a mistake may have been made,you wouldn't change things now.The important thing is that you took responsibility,and you're teaching your daughter right! I applaud you ma'am.Much respect indeed :)

I am raising my little girl to know and love God. If you do these these things, it is easier for them to understand the difference between right and wrong. We have already had the "talk", and I explained to her that she is good enough to wait for. She knows that her body is her temple, and that having sex before marriage is wrong. I was very humbling to admit to her that her Dad and myself made a mistake by not waiting, but giving her my life experience as an example made it even easier to understand. I do not regret stepping up to the plate with her Dad and taking on the responsibility of parenthood, but we both know that if we had waited our lives would have been much easier. We put the cart before the horse, but we were adults about the situation, then as well as now. We have always loved each other very much and want to make sure our daughter has good moral ground to stand on, and knows that God will be behind her when she says no, as well as Mom and Dad. Our society has changed so much, and our children are so desensitized. It is our responsibility as parents to do the right things, and make better decisions for our children. Remember parenthood is not a popularity contest. Put your foot down, take away the cell phones, and the other distractions, give them a Bible and take them to church. Teach them to respect themselves, and how to act like ladies and gentlemen. Have dinner together every night and make your home stable for their sake.

Joe: I couldn't agree with you more...there's so much going on,that oh my...if I were living the way they do today,it most certainly wouldn't be tolerated. People think modesty is over rated,oh no it's not! Get these children in church,bring them up in church,according to God's word. Warn them,teach them right from wrong as soon as they're able to understand! Men shouldn't be out there lusting over women,BUT women shouldn't be throwing them selves out there like a piece of meat...if they do,and are dressed inappropriately then they can't seriously not expect a man to look,and they have no right to call them a pig. I've seen men dress in ways they shouldn't as well.

So many just ignore the issues,they want prayer out of school completely,they want the Ten Commandments removed from court houses,they want this,that,and the other thing...they get it too. It only takes ONE to remove it,but no matter how many thousands and millions say they want it kept in,or put back in,they lose.

The best thing we can all do,is keep living as best we can,doing our best to live a life pleasing to Christ. Set an example,be the salt of the earth,a living example,a living sacrifice, refuse to conform to the ways of the world, remember that we're set apart for Christ sake!

I can personally say,I'm so thankful,and proud(in a humble way) that I'm waiting and saving myself for marriage. I have more respect for myself, whomever I may marry,should that happen,and most of all for GOD!Our body is a temple!

All the baby's daddy drama is nonsense,if a man can't be there as a father,husband,and provider, then he isn't a man. They need to step up and be responsible. If a man won't wait,he won't commit, and all that,then ladies,don't stay with him.

So many just settle for one another,it's sad to see.If just ONE person,took the time to show these children the right path in life,they could and would make a huge impact. It's rough,but you know,it's worth it. We're despised and rejected,but Jesus was despised and rejected for us...He died for us,and rose again. I count it a blessing to go through anything and everything for HIM. I'm unworthy to go through things,but I praise Him for it all! Wonderful message sir,God bless you,and thanks so much for sharing/posting! So many think and say it's not a sin to have premarital sex,but oh yes it is,and the Bible clearly states that! Lets get these children back on the Biblical basis! You sir,are a blessing indeed,the Lord has filled my heart,spirit,and soul with joy just from what you said! I'm a Sunday school teacher,and I tell the children the important things...those which most these days are afraid to even bring up and face in a church. We can't be ashamed or anything,if we are,and we deny the Lord,He will deny us one day...I don't want that happening,and I'll take a stand without thinking twice about it hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

If you wait to talk to your kids about these subjects until they are 13 then you are too late. Most of todays boys have been exposed to drugs and pornagraphy by the time they are 11. There is alot of talk about the girls here and how the babies are "burdens." We need to be teaching our kids about sin. We need to be teaching our sons and daughters that its shameful to be pregant before marriage. We need to teach our boys that they are good for nothing losers if they have a child and mother that they are not providing for. We need to teach our boys what a man actually is and is not. We need to teach our daughters how to dress with modesty and act like ladys. We need to teach our daughters how to identify a REAL man and how to identify a WANNA-BE man.

NewGirl2010: I completely agree with you. I've seen so many very young girls,even teens,driving around in very nice,fancy cars. They also pull out large amount of money,they do nothing but abuse the system,and make it almost to even impossible for the truly needy ones to get any assistance. I've seen so many times,where we didn't know if we would even get any groceries at all. I'm all for the system,when it's used PROPERLY.

It's bad when you look,and there's almost nothing around to eat.You aren't sure where or even if you'll get any source to get any groceries.Many times we've gone and just bought the simple things,like milk,bread,and maybe eggs.

I'm young,I know that,but I've lived a life that wasn't always easy. Had major down times,I appreciate and thank God so much for what little we do have.

I lost my job,they won't give help to you it seems...especially medicare or medicade...they say you can only get that if you're pregnant or on disability.You know how hard it is to get on disability! I'm so thankful I'm not disabled though,and I'm not going to go get knocked up just for help!

Disability is another thing,it's so hard to get on for those that NEED it. All because so many fake that,they claim they can't work...the biggest excuse,is depression,mental issues,etc. Now I know some people have those things,but the majority don't...they fake it just so they can be lazy!

I have mixed feelings on all these issues,and I'm very passionate about them...I'll just stop myself,cause I could say a LOT about such things. I agree with what you said though,people that just abuse the system make it so difficult for those that actually need help. Make them fend for themselves and stop just giving them handouts, supplying EVERYTHING for them,especially when they have so much already...make them give up things they don't need,for what they do need.

I totally agree that the rates for teen prgnancy is alarming, but it is in young adults as well. The system makes it too easy for them to get assistance. If they had to pay for the formula to feed the babies like I did for mine and not given food stamps so they can sit at home on facebook all day, maybe they would think about it! Our system was put in place to help those who, by NO FAULT OF THERE OWN, have follow into hard times. My husband lost his job that he had for 12 years due to a company shut down, and we struggled for 13 months while he struggle to find a job that would pay our bills. We were dumbfounded to find, that after we depleted what little savings we had, we were not eligible for any kind of assistance! It takes a lot more money to feed two growing teenagers than it does to feed two toddlers, but WIC coverage is for 5 year olds or younger. On top of that they add more and more things covered by WIC. I get so ill when I go to the grocery store and see these young kids driving new cars, but sliding a food stamp card and cashing in there wic vouchers while I am searching mu wallet to buy my two a gallon of milk. I am truly believe the system that was put in place to help, is just creating a larger problem!!

Mommy81: I meant no offense towards you or anyone else dear.I know there's always exceptions. I'm very thankful that you are one of them!This just happens to be a topic I'm very passionate about,and if my words seemed to be ''too passionate'' or anything else for that matter,then I'm sorry ma'am.

This is however,still an epidemic issue that needs to be addressed. If teens would look around,and watch,and listen to the already teen moms...they would realize hey,it's NOT the cool thing! Most these days lose their friends,and even if they don't,they do loose childhood. Because they have no choice but to step up to the plate,or give their baby up.

I don't think anyone should give their child up,unless they just have to. If they truly can't provide for them,then it's different.

I agree with you on Taylor Swifts song. Also,another one is Don't You Know You're Beautiful by Kellie Pickler.Very good song,and when she talks about a boy promising a girl anything,oh she hit it right on there.

It's most certainly worth the wait,rather than being proud one is found to be ''cool'' by sleeping with someone as a teen,even getting pregnant...one should be happy and proud to say they have NOT so,and that they're waiting,saving their self for the right one.

I have a family member,I won't say who...that was on the Debate Team,got straight A's,was very popular,etc.as well and she ended up pregnant but not while in high school. She was 18. She had already graduated. I know many that fit in and everything,that do these things...but at the same time,they don't always fit in the way most think they do.

It's like that show "If You REALLY Knew ME''. Stops bullying,sleeping around,teasing,etc. If we had something like that here,wow imagine the difference it would make. Anyhow,as I said ma'am,I didn't mean any offense towards anyone. God bless you.

set them down and talk to them at 13 and tell them like it is in the real world and commen sense is still the best way to approach any situation people GIVE THESE KIDS CONDOMS and teach them how to use them. yes this does sound bad to give 13yr old condoms but we have to start some where a little common sense goes a long way the kids are becoming sexually active at a much younger age then yrs ago I beleave this could help 50% of these young girls ruining their lives having babies .

I got pregnant in high school. My daughter is ten now, and her Dad and I are still together. We are an exception to the rule. I see so many teens these days that are pregnant it breaks my heart. I actually did graduate, but most girls in this type of situation do not. Little girls have a lot to live up to these days. Teen pregnancy used to be frowned upon, now it seems like it's cool, with all the t.v. shows and stuff. For the record I was not an outcast of society. I was a member of the Beta club, National Junior Honor Society, and played Basketball. Also there was a competition cheerleader that got knocked up the same time as me. I just made a bad decision. Abstinence is the key. We should all preach that message to our daughters. I know that I am. Hopefully my daughter will not make the same mistake. Our girls need to have a strong sense of self worth, and understand that there are consequences to these actions, and that it is not cool to give up your childhood, and hopes and dreams. No boy is worth that. Kudos to Taylor Swift for writing "Fifteen". I really hope that song gets through to our youth, they need more examples like her.

It's not right or fair to call those babies ''burdens''. They didn't ask to be born,they didn't say for two people to go and sleep together. The teens need more self control,as well as to be more responsible for their actions. They shouldn't have sex outside of marriage as it is,BUT if they just insist on it,they NEED to at least use protection.

Second,what about the parents? I know you can't watch them constantly,however at least know who they're with. So many of these teens are reaching out for help,love,attention,etc. Yes they're going about it in the wrong manner,but they usually feel they have no other option as the parents don't care.

Now I won't classify or label anyone,or whatever else,but I will say this...generally speaking,these teens are outcast of today's society. They do it to fit in,to be popular,and other reasons. The parents usually aren't in the picture,if they are,they're abusive,neglectful,into drugs,being drunk all the time,and many other things...rather than being a parent. It's sad to see. So many just expect children to raise themselves.

It doesn't matter who you are,or how old you are...if you can't control yourself,use some protection at least. This is a HUGE epidemic issue,as we all know. I noticed this and brought it up to my grandparents,and some in church as well. I mean wake up world,there's how many reality shows/documentaries on t.v. these days about teen pregnancy? There's 16 and pregnant, there's Teen Mom,there's one about a place that actually started a school just for pregnant teens and teen moms it's a total outrage!

If people(in general) would step up to the plate, take a stand for what's right,and against what's wrong,the true issues at hand,things would be so different. I do NOT believe that tax payers should have to support those having the babies the way they are,especially those that have numerous babies just to get the benefits and ABUSE them. The babies however as I stated before,are innocent,and shouldn't have to go without the things they need. Such as food,clothing,health care,etc. If nothing else, make the grandparents of the babies step up and help out. I have seen MANY times where they tell their child,oh just go get assistance. Meanwhile they're more than able to help out,at least some.

If these teens think they're so grown up and responsible,so much that they can have a sex life,tell them to get married,and have a job first. Simple.

It wouldn't hurt for someone to get them in church,that's the best thing they can do. Be they already having sex or not,and be they pregnant already or not. A church that will NOT condemn,or judge the,but will accept them as is,love them,pray with them,support them,and do what's right.That doesn't mean to tell them oh it's okay keep sleeping around after you have your baby...not at all,but getting them in church,or even some sort of school activity would help. Anything that would keep them from having so much time on their hands for having babies left and right.

What the article fails to mention is that the majority of these babies are a burden on the taxpayer from the day of conception until about 18 years.