Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Teen moms need love, support

The March 15 letter headlined, “Responsibility begins with parents,” left me in a state of disappointment.

I do agree raising our children morally and ethically begins with the parents. However, I also feel it is our responsibility as a community to encourage our children. So I applaud the person who initiated the Teen Parent Program.

Our teens need the guidance of someone who has been in their shoes and who wants to see them succeed.

The letter mentioned the parents of these kids do not know or care where or what their children are doing. That is a big assumption.

I grew up in a Christian home and was taught about morals, ethics, and Christ. But like the prodigal son, I ventured out on my own. I became pregnant within a few months of graduating high school, still a baby myself.

However, I had support from parents, grandparents, and others in the community. I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in nursing at age 22 in 2003 and am now a registered nurse.

Most importantly, like the prodigal son, I found my way back home, back to Christ. You see, I am one of the teen parents who decided to go on and do better in life.

But what about those who are not getting that support at home? Our children need hope. Without hope, they have no goals.

God teaches us to love our neighbor. Well, these teen moms are our neighbors, and we have to love them by teaching them, encouraging them, showing them how to set goals, how to be good parents, giving them hope and, most importantly, putting God first!

LaQuara Roberson

Clovis