What should I do if I’m not ready to be a dad? Start with getting the facts
When your girlfriend tells you she is pregnant, your mind might immediately start racing with questions. What do I do now? What should I do if I’m not ready to be a dad? How are we going to handle this? Take a deep breath before making any decisions, and take the time to explore options for unplanned pregnancy. Help is available. Legacy Adoption Services® offers free adoption counseling for fathers in Texas, and we can also help you assess your situation to determine if parenting might also be an option in your case.
What should I do if I’m not ready to be a dad? Start with these tips
Many fathers in your situation feel overwhelmed with worry, and some immediately jump into decisions that they later regret. Our options counselors offer the following tips to help you process the news and begin moving forward confidently.
- Don’t panic. You have time to learn about your options and decide your next steps. Find your footing and calm your emotions before making any big decisions.
- Take responsibility for the situation. It takes two people to create a pregnancy, and both of you must accept responsibility and move forward, without blame or shame.
- Be supportive to your girlfriend. She’s just as worried about this pregnancy as you are. Showing your support for her smooths the path ahead, so that you can make decisions together.
- Explore the options for fathers facing unplanned pregnancy, which may include parenting your baby or making an adoption plan with your girlfriend.
- Get expert help. It can be hard to know where to start or where to find reliable information about your options. A Legacy options counselor can provide pressure-free support and information as you plan your next steps.
If you’re wondering, “Where can I get adoption counseling for fathers in Texas?” we want to assure you that our options counselors are available to help you at any time. Simply call (817) 799-6834 to connect with a Legacy options counselor and get the help that you need. There’s no cost or obligation, just answers and information from a compassionate professional who understands where you are right now.
What are the options for unplanned pregnancy?
For most people in this situation, the options for unplanned pregnancy come down to two choices: parenting the child or placing the child for adoption.
If you are considering parenting, it’s wise to make a realistic assessment of your capabilities to support a child through to adulthood. This includes not only a hard look at your financial and living situation, but also at your emotional maturity and readiness to provide the love, time and stability that all children need to grow up healthy and happy.
If you are thinking about the possibility of adoption, arm yourself with factual information about how the process works. It’s common for people to have some misunderstandings about adoption if they’ve never been through the process themselves. Getting trustworthy information can help you make an informed decision and eliminate any regrets or surprises later.
Deciding which option is best for your situation is a very personal choice, and should not be made under pressure. Ideally, these decisions should be made in partnership with your girlfriend, so it’s important to listen to her feelings and consider her point of view, too.
Where can I get adoption counseling for fathers in Texas?
Legacy Adoption Services’ options counselors are a great resource for fathers who are trying to get information about all of their options before making any moves. If you’re wondering, “What should I do if I’m not ready to be a dad?,” you’re not alone. We offer free and confidential counseling services for both mothers and fathers facing unplanned pregnancy.
To connect with a Legacy options counselor, just call us anytime at (817) 799-6834. We can help you assess your ability to parent a child in your given situation, and we can also provide the information you need about the adoption process. This way, you can move forward with confidence that you’re making a plan that feels right to you and can bring you long-term peace.