An Expert’s View / GINA BUETTNER

Most teen mothers want to portray that they are doing fine. But there are a lot of issues they have to deal with.

They start off being idealistic. But as the pregnancy goes on and their body changes, they have to deal with the physical issues and dealing with getting big. Once they have the baby, it is hard.

Sometimes, they hit a wall real fast and have a rude awakening because they realize this is not a game or a doll. All of sudden they are faced with things like: Where am I going to get money for diapers? And often the fathers are not in the picture.

There are legal issues. Do they go to court for child support?

And then they have someone totally depending on them when they can’t depend on themselves. They are stuck between being a child and an adult.

Finding work is another big hurdle. A huge issue is child care and paying for it. This is adding another brick on the pile. Often they have to work and school becomes secondary. It comes down to basic needs.

Those who have supportive families have the best chances. They have someone to watch the baby. I think social programs like ours are good. We help young women so they have a chance. But they really have to take hold of it.