Teen Parents

 I was a teen growing up in Tehama County and did not get pregnant until I was 29 years old. I for one know that there is nothing to do in Red Bluff and surrounding areas. Growing up we only had the movies and bowling alley as well. The teen centers that the area tried to set up and run were always ruined by the kids that wanted to bring drugs and alcohol into the mix. I’m not saying that parties didn’t happen in the area and sex never existed, but I was very fortunate to be able to have a good relationship with my parents so when I felt the need I could get on birth control even before I was sexually active. I know not all teens can talk to their parents about birth control, but even I knew about the clinics that offer free birth control to kids that was confidential. I also had friends that were pregnant when I was a teen and I never felt the need to get pregnant so someone would love me. I wanted to live my life and be able to enjoy experiences without having to worry about children while I was a child myself. I do understand how things are with kids since I have nieces and nephews as well as friends’ teens kids looking for that little extra. I also see a lot of girls thinking that having sex with a boy will make them want to be with them or make them popular. That is so not the case. Having sex too easily just puts a mark on them. I have children of my own and I try to be there for them as much as they will let me and hope that when the subject of sex comes up they will feel comfortable enough to come to us for guidance. We all need to be there for our children so they can enjoy their childhood before they become parents themselves. Parents need to teach their children selfworth and not fall into the peer pressure of having sex too soon and the only way to do that is to be there for them. Teen sex is going to happen but parents, be there for them to learn the safe way. Kids, if you can’t talk to your parents, talk to an adult you can trust. It’s not just pregnancy, there is so much more out there that can happen and we adults do not want to see those things happen. Do not blame it on lack of activities in Tehama County because there is so much more you can do with your time.AC