Pregnant at 15: Should she marry?

Our daughter is 15 and pregnant by her boyfriend, who's also 15. My husband insists that they get married. I don't agree, because I don't want my daughter to think of marriage as a punishment. Your thoughts?

G.S., New Jersey

Marriage is the last thing anyone should be talking about. You two need to talk to your daughter about her immediate future. According to pregnantteenhelp.org, more than two-thirds of teens who have babies don't graduate from high school, and most unwed teen moms end up on welfare.

First, seek counseling about your daughter's options regarding her pregnancy (the facts on everything from adoption to abortion), and, if she's keeping the child, prenatal care and parenting classes (check local hospitals and community centers for information).

Next, meet with the young man's parents and see what kind of support they can offer. Ideally, both sets of parents should pitch in to allow these teens to finish high school and then learn job skills through a vocational program.

Finally, don't come between the parents-to-be if there's genuine affection between them. Help these two stay on good terms. You're all going to be connected by this baby for a long time.