5 Biggest Challenges of Being a Teenage Parent
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas has one of the highest teen birth rates in the nation. A report from Healthy Futures of Texas found that in 2023, there were more than 20,000 teen births across the state. While an unexpected pregnancy can bring uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and support is available.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re probably debating what to do next. Deciding whether you are ready to raise a child is a big decision, and it’s important to think realistically about the challenges that come with being a teenage parent.
Whether you get guidance from a trusted friend, family member or counselor, or take time to think through the decision yourself, understanding what teen parenting involves can help you make an informed choice.
This guide breaks down the major challenges teen parents face and the types of support that may be available, including education programs, financial help, child care resources, mental health services, and legal rights.
Keep reading to learn more about the realities of teen parenting so you can make the decision that’s right for your future.
Challenge #1: Difficulty Juggling School with a Child
School is time-consuming. High school students in Texas typically attend classes for about 7 hours each day and spend an average of 6-7 hours on homework per week.
Caring for an infant also requires a significant amount of time. The average infant nurses 8 to 12 times a day for 20-45 minutes. This can add up to several hours a day spent feeding alone. In addition, many new mothers experience exhaustion from waking up multiple times during the night. Changing diapers, bathing, and caring for a baby throughout the day also require significant time and attention.
With all of these responsibilities, many teen mothers find it difficult to concentrate in school or find time to rest, let alone complete homework.
research shows that about 50% of teen moms do not graduate high school or get the equivalent formal education by the time they are 22, and far fewer go on to attend or graduate from college. Because of this, it’s important to carefully consider your life goals when thinking about raising a child.
Support Services
In Texas, public schools offer specialized programs to help teen parents stay in school:
- Pregnancy Related Services (PRS) — Offered through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), PRS provides counseling, academic support, and sometimes transportation or health services to pregnant and parenting students to help them stay enrolled and on track to graduate.
- Local School District Programs — Many districts such as Dallas ISD operate Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Programs that include parenting skills, child care assistance, career counseling, and transportation support.
- School-Age Parenting Programs — Programs within some districts provide wrap-around educational support and childcare coordination to reduce dropout rates. (NEISD)
Challenge #2: The Cost of Raising A Child
Caring for an infant also involves significant financial responsibility. In addition to the time required for feeding and daily care, many new parents are surprised by how quickly the costs of baby supplies and childcare can add up.
If you use formula exclusively or supplement with formula, you’ll have to budget for this expense. A SmartAsset report suggests that new parents can expect to spend between $821.25 and $2,920 on formula in their baby’s first year. As babies grow, additional food costs begin around six months when many infants start eating solid foods. Parents also need to budget for everyday essentials such as diapers, wipes, bottles, clothing, and toys, as well as regular healthcare expenses like doctor visits and vaccinations.
There are also larger one-time purchases that many families need when preparing for a baby. These may include items such as a crib, stroller, car seat, high chair, and changing table. While some families receive help from relatives or friends with these items, others may need to purchase them on their own.
If you plan to attend school or work outside the home, childcare is another important cost to consider. In Texas, parents pay an average of $917 per month on infant care, totalling $11,000 per year. These expenses can place a heavy financial burden on teen parents, especially those who do not have financial support from a partner or family members.
Aid & Assistance in Texas
While eligibility rules vary, several programs may help teen parents access financial support:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — A federal cash assistance safety net for families with low income. TANF helps with basic needs like food, utilities, clothing, and housing while parents participate in work or training activities.
- Child Care Assistance & Scholarships — Through the Texas Child Care Connection (TX3C) and local Workforce Solutions offices, eligible families can apply for child care scholarships or subsidized slots to make quality care more affordable.
- Texas Rising Star Providers — Certified high-quality early learning programs that can be identified through state resources to ensure safer, better childcare options.
- Local Aid Resources — Some city and county agencies offer child care subsidies, referrals, and workshops designed specifically for students and low-income parents. (City of Dallas)
Tip: Start applications early — demand often exceeds supply, and waitlists for child care subsidies can be long in some regions.
Challenge # 3: Change in Social Status
Teen mothers often experience a vast change in their social lives.Some leave school to focus on caring for their child, while others continue their education but may have to give up extracurricular activities or take on part-time work to help support their baby. These new responsibilities can limit the time and flexibility many teens once had for social activities.
As a result, friendships sometimes change. Teen parents may find it harder to participate in typical teenage activities or maintain the same social routines they had before becoming parents. It can be challenging to maintain friendships, participate in typical teen activities, or connect with peers who don’t share similar responsibilities. While family and friends can offer support, these dynamics often change — leading to feelings of isolation.
All of this causes a disconnect from previous social circles. Some girls report that friends maintain contact in the beginning but that friendships change as the new mother’s focus changes. Teen moms often turn down social opportunities to put the needs of the child first.
However, support networks are available in many communities. Churches, community centers, and social service organizations often offer parenting classes, peer support groups, or drop-in programs where young parents can connect with others going through similar experiences.
Becoming a parent often changes your social life in meaningful ways. Thinking about how these changes might affect your relationships and daily routines can be an important part of deciding whether you feel ready to take on the responsibilities of parenting.
Teen Mom Support Groups and Resources in Texas
Teen parents do not have to navigate pregnancy and parenting alone. The following organizations and programs provide support groups, mentoring, parenting classes, and community resources for teen moms across Texas.
- Save Texas Moms – Teen Mom Resource Directory
A statewide directory that connects pregnant and parenting teens with healthcare services, support programs, and local organizations across Texas. - Houston Birthing Connection
Offers free programs for pregnant and parenting teens, including support groups, mentoring, life-skills coaching, and help staying in school. - TWICE (Teen Mothers Walking in Committed Excellence)
Provides mentoring, parenting education, and support programs designed to empower adolescent mothers and help them build stable futures. - Galveston County Teen Parenting Coalition – Parenting Support Center
Offers parenting classes, mentoring, peer support groups, and career guidance for young parents through a child’s third year. - We Are The Village Teen Moms
A nonprofit community supporting teenage mothers through mentoring, peer support groups, birth support services, and parenting resources. - Help Me Thrive North Texas
Connects families with local parenting support groups, early childhood services, and family resources through trained Family Navigators. - Family Guidance & Outreach – The NEST Program
Provides parenting education, mentoring, and support services for young parents and families in Texas. - 211 Texas
A statewide helpline that connects families with nearby parenting support groups, housing assistance, counseling, and financial resources. Dial 211 or visit: https://www.211texas.org
Challenge #4: The Possibility of Family Conflict
Telling your parents that you are pregnant isn’t easy. Many parents are understandably upset when they learn that their child is pregnant. In the worst-case scenario, parents have kicked their pregnant daughters out of the house without any support.
Even in the best-case scenario, where parents are supportive, family dynamics are likely to change with a new family member. Parents may impose limits on the amount of time and financial support they will give the new mother. She may be asked to move into a different area of the house to accommodate her siblings’ needs or make it more difficult to rely on her parents every time she faces a new challenge.
On the other side of the coin, new mothers may resent parents and siblings whose lives seem more carefree. They may not understand when parents choose not to assist them or babysit every time they ask. They may not feel it is fair to have to abide by any rules or limits now that they are parents themselves.
Since each family is unique, your household changes will be different from that of another teen mom’s. Take time to think about how your relationships with your family members will change if you decide to raise a child in the home.
Challenge #5: Changes to Mental Health
Both becoming a teenager and pregnant are among the risk factors for depression. When these two factors are combined, the risk increases. Teen mothers are twice as likely to suffer from postpartum depression than adult mothers. Only 10-15% of older mothers experience prenatal and postpartum (after delivery) depression, in contrast to 15% to 44% of teens.
There are several causes for mental health changes in teen moms. One reason is that teen moms are more likely to experience pregnancy complications. The added stress of this can impact mental health.
Teen parents do not have the time to devote to exercise, sleep, and self-care that they may have had before giving birth. This can also negatively affect both mood and outlook.
Further, not all teen mothers have the support of their families and friends. This change in their support system can leave teen mothers feeling alone in a challenging situation without care or guidance.
Find Support at Texas Adoption Center
There are many challenges that come with being a teen parent, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Texas Adoption Center, our caring adoption specialists are here to provide you with resources, guidance, education, and support as you consider your options. Ultimately, the decision about what to do next is yours.
Contact Texas Adoption Center today if you would like to talk with someone or learn more about your options. We’re here to listen and help you take the next step.
