A hard road to travel

Hey Rosie,

I’ve been reading your article online for a while and I really need your help. My knucklehead 18-year-old son has gone and got his 19-year-old girlfriend pregnant. Rosie, I am hot and not very happy! Do you know that this boy just graduated this year, after going to summer school. Right now I am staying away from him because I WANT TO HURT HIM!{{more}} How could he do this to us? My husband and I are in shock. Please tell me what to do because I want to kick him out! It’s like he has no future. Also what about the girl? I am fit to be tied, girl. Help me.

Tortured

My Dear Tortured,

Let’s all take a calming breath together. In through the nose, and out through the mouth. One more time for good measure! Girl, I hear you.

After getting him all the way through High School, not even a foot into college, and he and his young lady are expecting. Believe me, I understand it is a BIG pill to swallow.

First of all, you and hubby better get on the same page and quick. No matter if the decision is not a popular one. However, I will also ask you to make some rational decisions as well. Being an 18-year-old young “man”, he has to take a lot of responsibilities on himself. Such as: Are they keeping the child? Adopting? How are they going to support the child? Where are they going to live? How involved are you (the grandparents) going to be? What about her parents (a whole other can of worms)?

Young people for many years have found themselves in this position. I know it isn’t the road that we would ever choose for them, but unfortunately you are traveling it now. Remember this little person that is coming hasn’t done a blessed thing. So the baby has to be protected and accounted for. This doesn’t mean you are jumping in to save the day either. You should just be a guiding force so that these young people can navigate themselves to somewhat of a stable situation to be the best parents they can be.

Also, if both sets of grandparents can come to some agreement after everyone has calmed down that would be helpful. You may then want to encourage and help these young people to continue their education. Perhaps you can assist with structured babysitting etc. Not babysitting so they can roll in the hay, so that they can build a stronger economic future for themselves.

May God be with you and your family at his chaotic time.

Rosie

Send questions to Rosie at: heyrosie24@yahoo.com or P.O Box 152, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.