Considered adoption, but know you want to parent your child & need help? This page will be continually updated with links and resources! Do you know of a parenting resource that should on this page? Email Skye for consideration. Thanks!

Be proud of yourself for working to find ways to solve any problems you might have. Give yourself a "pat on the back" for every step you take in the direction you want to go. Never put yourself down if you experience a setback. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go on! Learn about parenting and child development. Get parenting classes. Read about parenting in magazines and books. Enjoy your child!

Check out the Single Parenting page @ Lifemothers!

http://www.singleparentcentral.gov.htm

Parenting Resources:

http://www.yppo.com/teenparenting.htm

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

http://www.childsupport.com/links/youngparents.asp

http://www.oneyoungparent.com/resources.shtml

http://www.geocities.com/naturalfamilies/parenting_resources_.html

http://www.lifecall.org/shelters.html

Many YWCA's provide young parent support services

http://www.ywcarochester.org/youngparent.asp

Single Mothers House Sharing:

http://co-abode.com

http:/www.girlmom.com

Shared Family Care:

http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~aiarc/projects/sfcfact.htm

For Fathers:

http://www.newdads.com/

http://www.fathers.com/

http://www.fatherhood.org/

What about SCHOOL? Many high schools have programs for young parents so they can continue their classes, get parenting classes and child care. This is an excellent way to stay in school, get to know other young parents and even eat lunch with your child. If for some reason you are unable to complete high school, there are resources to help you study for and obtain your GED. There are resources to help with college as well: Talk to a high school or college counselor about financial aid, choosing a major that is right for you, finding a college or junior college. Many people opt for a junior college for the first two years because it's less expensive but it's best to look into whether your credits will transfer. In addition to the counselor, you can also look for resources and scholarship programs at the library or on-line.

Anything else you need? Do your own research. Look up "Young Parents" and your city/state or look up "GED". If you can't find things yourself then ask people how to go about finding what you need.

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~futures1/welcome.html

Love, INC. (Love in the name of Christ) is another program through church organizations, which provides diapers, formula, babysitting, you name it. It's a consolodation of multiple churches, with volunteers to provide the NEEDS of just about anyone in need, from young mothers in need of baby things, to elderly in need of house cleaning, cooking, rides to doctors offices, and shopping, to assistance to those on chemo or with other medical problems, or just for individuals down on their luck. It's NOT well advertised, but by going to a local church minister, they should be able to tell them if a Love INC exists in their area. You don't have to be a member of a church to get the assistance.

-- Also look for Young Parents Support Networks in your community. Call hospitals in your area for support groups.

Enjoy your child. Don't worry about accepting help - all mothers need help at times. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. You don't have to get everything exactly right the first time, or everything right right now. You are far from being the only person who has experienced challenges - in fact that's what life's about!