Closing Comments

Abstract

The problem of unintended pregnancies in adolescents is a complex one that needs to be addressed from multiple perspectives. Parents are a major socializing agent in the development of their children, and they are therefore a natural source for facilitating responsible behavior to prevent unintended pregnancies. The task of the parents is a difficult one. Most teenagers are at a stage in their life where they are asserting their independence from parents. But independence from the parent is not total. Fundamental relationships between the teen and the parent have been established over the years and the lifetime experiences shared by parents and teens form the basis, in part, for parental and teenage actions. During the teen years, parental influence occurs in a rapidly changing family environment and the adjustments that are required are challenging for parent and teen alike. It is not surprising, then, that parents may need assistance in knowing the best way to communicate with their teen in order to encourage responsible behavior.