Mom's Out There

Everybody knows by now that 16 year old, Jamie Lynn Spears is 12 weeks pregnant. I am still in shock...not sure why but I am....But the more things that I am seeing is how to talk to your children about it. She is on Nick's show Zoey 101...and has quite a kids following. Now they will have to be told that she is pregnant...so how do you do that??

I read a great article on About.com that explained it really good....They said....

Parents should discuss this situation with their children and use it as a way to “check-in” to determine if their child has correct information about sex and the female body. Also, this is a perfect way to reinforce the notion that not teenagers, adults, or even celebrities are immune to the consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse. Although it is unclear as to which age group may be most affected by Jamie Lynn’s unplanned pregnancy, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that middle-school aged girls are the most likely to be impacted – especially if they suffer from a low self-esteem.

Jamie Lynn tells OK! magazine that she is intends to go forward with the pregnancy and will raise the baby in Louisiana. The bigger question - What message will this send to all the girls who look up to Jamie Lynn as a role model? When asked about what message she would like to send to other teens about premarital sex, Jaime Lynn responded, "I definitely don't think it's something you should do; it's better to wait," she says. "But I can't be judgmental because it's a position I put myself in."

The bottom line. Parents need to discuss sex and birth control with their children. As this example shows, nobody is invulnerable to the consequences that could happen if contraception is not used. Rich or poor. Famous or not – the chances of becoming pregnant and/or contracting a sexually transmitted infection are very real if people choose not to practice safe sex.