Reply #8: As the father of daughters, I give this matter some thought

[OmahaBlueDog]

1) Get her to an OB/GYN and start a program of prenatal care: The baby's been made, so you want the baby to be healthy.

2) Call the lawyer: I'm not making anyone get married, but I'll be damned if they are not paying child support. I want to get what ever I need to lined up to ensure that young daddy (or Dad's folks) are on the hook for their fair share.

3) Call the school board: At 16, you want to do whatever you can to accelerate the diploma/GED process so little Miss mom can get more quickly to commuter school (i.e. a local college or community college). The only thing worse than 16 and pregnant is 16, mom, with no job skills or outlook. Be practical -- even if you and Mrs. you have to invest some free babysitting, you need to get the new mom involved with developing a lucrative job skill ASAP.

4)Find out about every dime of money and support you can get from every source legally : WIC? Scholarships for single moms? Can you claim your grandkid as a full or partial dependent?

5) If this can't work financially, lot's of agencies will arrange adoption, and assist with medical expenses.

6) If this can work financially, hold a baby shower. Hey - it's still a grand kid. Celebrate.

7) Dream up a new, derisive name for the father. You will use this name for the remaining years for your life - at least in private.

8) Remember point #3. Encourage the father along those lines.