I must protect my daughter

Teenage is such an age that is beautiful and enjoyable. It's the time for one star to see the world in much better ways. Emotions reach peak level, and at the same time, teenagers start to understand their responsibility. And in such a time they stay to explore the world and come out of the protection of parents little by little.

They try to be independent and make their own decisions in life. Parents can play a supportive role with proper guidance when needed. Parents always try their best to play the role and educate their children well enough to face the world and make better decisions. But sometimes children act impulsively and make some mistakes driven by emotions or a lack of a sense of consequences.

Hive Naija contest asked what I would do if my female child got impregnated while seeking admission into the university. Firstly, I am not a married person, and I was never a father, but I will try to give an answer based on my judgment.

In my country, there is no culture of having sexual relationships before marriage. So if someone gets impregnated before marriage is kind of a crime, although there is no such a law for it, but it's illegal in my country as well as in my culture also. A female faces criticism in such a situation.

As a father, I will be furious after hearing such terrible news, and that's normal. I may feel guilty thinking somehow I was incapable of teaching her. For some time I may feel down, but I need to make a decision because it will be the most important decision for my daughter.

The first task will be to know about the father of the child. If the father is ready to take responsibility, then I will arrange a marriage as fast as possible, and the problem will be solved easily. But if the father is not ready to take responsibility, then the situation will get worse.

To be honest, I think it will be hard to raise a child as a single mother. Even if I support it, in society I don't think my child and child can lead a normal life. I think it will be unfair to bring a child to face cruelty. So, I may suggest abortion to my daughter and go for it if she agrees with it. But in case she wants to bring the child, I will support her, but for that, I will try to shift my family to different places. I think it will be very difficult to face society.

Maybe my child makes the mistake, but as a father, I can't leave my daughter to face the situation alone. I don't know what kind of decision she makes for the child, but I will support her here at any cost. I need to protect her, and I must do it even if I also face criticism.