Dear ChelsyCupcake,

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a middle income family will pay a total of $204,060 to care for a child born in 2007 until its 18th birthday.

There are many things to think about before deciding to have and raise a child. Once a person becomes a parent, she or he is responsible for another person for at least the next 18 years. Raising a child involves a major commitment in not just money, but time.

And in general, teenage mothers do not do as well in life as teens who delay childbearing. Their family incomes are lower. They are more likely to be poor and receive welfare, they are less educated, and they are less likely to be married. Their children may also have a harder time growing up.

Here are some things for you and your boyfriend to think about before becoming parents:

• Are we ready to help a child feel wanted and loved 24 hours a day for the next 18 years and beyond?
• Can we talk about our feelings and other important things with each other, family, and friends? Will I have their support?
• Are we ready to accept full responsibility for parenting and go it alone, if it becomes necessary? Will we have enough money to support ourselves and a child?
• Are we mature enough to keep from harming the child physically or emotionally? (We won't ridicule, humiliate, slap, hit, or threaten our child no matter what happens, no matter how frustrated we get.)
• Are we ready to seek whatever counseling we need to become a better parent?
• Are we ready to give up our social life with friends to take care of our baby?
• Are we ready to put our school or career plans on hold?

Even with the help of family and friends, being a parent is not easy. It is often complicated and frustrating. Your child's needs will constantly change and so will your ability to meet those needs.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.