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1. Seek Help. Don’t suffer in silence. Take action based on what really did happen.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Intervene and Confront. This isn’t a popularity contest – especially not now. Always remember that you are helping your children learn to become responsible adults . . . and many valuable lessons can be learned during a time of trouble.

3. Develop a Plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

4. Spend Quality Time with Your Kids. When a crisis arises, your child needs you more than ever. Give them the opportunity to restore credibility with you, and invest of yourself with them for the future.

5. Learn Everything You Can About Their Specific Crisis. Not too many pregnant 15-year-old girls know that adoption is an option. Get the facts – become the “expert” your kids rely on to help them through their difficult situation.

6. Help Find Positive Friendships. They’re certainly not the only ones to have ever faced what they’re going through. Show them that there are friends out there who will listen to them and totally understand without judging them.

7. Include the Church Youth Group. Contact the Youth Pastor at your church immediately. If your church doesn’t have one, find a church that does . . . and start going there.

8. Seek Counseling for a Realistic Assessment of the Situation. Both you and your teen need good information from trusted professionals. Emotions run high during times of crisis. Make sure you’re receiving loving, level-headed advice.

9. Pray. Pour your heart out to God, both with your child and on your own. He knows – He cares – and He understands your hurts.

10. Remain Calm. Resist the temptation to impulsively discipline your child in a moment of anger and fear. God will see you through this!

(Foster W. Cline and Jim Fay have written an excellent book on this topic called, Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood.)