Interview -Final Post

I interviewed my mom, because i know that she knows people that have been pregnant and have had kids young or decided not to have them. Whether she went to school with them, is related to them or is friends with them. I interviewed her in her home on March 28, 2009. I gained some information about what has happened in her life, about what she knows, and what she has seen for real life, which gives me an understanding face to face about what goes on. I think it's interesting to see what people have to say and what they know from experience.

These are the questions from me and the answers from my mom;
A= me, Ashley
S= Sue, mom

A: "What is your opinion on teenage pregnancies?"
S: "Teenagers are just kids themselves and are too young to have kids."
A: "When do you think it is too young or when it is a good time to have kids?"
S: "When a married couple are mature enough and are able to care for a child and have a serious relationship."
(a parent would say that to their kids anyway, but very true) << Ashley's opinion.
A: "Why do you think teens become pregnant?"
S: "For many reasons. Immaturity, lack of education on teen pregnancy, precautions etc.-some get pregnant because of lack of self esteem or they think it will keep a relationship together."
A: "What problems do you think it may cause?"
S: "For one, it's a lifetime commitment and I do not think most teens think about the long term responsibilities. It's a financial strain. Most teens will have to live with a parent(s) because they are too young to get a place of their own, some teens quit school, and some teens have no outside support.
A: "Based on experience, or knowing someone who was a pregnant teen, what happened with their lives, the child, education etc.?"
S: "Missed out on college, felt worthless, made many choices thinking it was the only choice at the time. Felt trapped. There have been some teens who are successful and make great parents, but I think if given a choice again, they would have waited."
A: "Do you think after the pregnancy/abortion/adoption, that this person's choice was a good one?"
S: "That's a question that only they can answer."
A: "What do you know about the topic?"
S: "I know that I have 3 children and even as an adult it is not an easy job. It's very hard work."
A: "If you know someone whose parent was a pregnant teen with the child you know, what can you say about that situation? Was it hard for the child?"
S: "Yes, financially and mentally. She had to struggle by herself because when the father found out he left her."
A: "Being a parent, are you glad you had children when you did? If not what would you have done differently?"
S: "I don't regret having any of my children when I did, but if I could still have the same children, I would have gone to college first. Now as an adult, it is difficult to always balance work, school and children."
A: "What would be your #1 advice to teens about pregnancy?"
S: "Sex education, know options, remember that birth control only "helps" prevent pregnancy, not a sure thing, and it doesn't stop ST D's.
A: "What would your #1 advice to pregnant teens be?"
S: "Wait, there is always time to have children. Enjoy being a kid as long as you can because when you are an adult, you always want to go back. You have enough responsibilities as an adult, don't rush it."
A: "What is your opinion on abortion?"
S: "I don't believe in abortion because there are plenty of ways to prevent it. The only time that I think it is okay is when someone is raped or incest."
A: "If you were a pregnant teen what would you do?"
S: "I would want to know my options and would hope that I would have the support from the father, family and friends."

This all made me realize things a little more realistically. It sort of just made more sense to hear it from someone and more clearly.