Just as the family has embraced the challenges of raising a special-needs child, they have embraced 17-year-old Bristol's decision to take on the responsibilities of becomingaparent.
One budgetary silver lining of becominga new parent: You will be so busy and exhausted that you won't need to set aside much for entertainment expenses.
Mary Keane, who is openly gay and has fostered more than 12 children, six of whom she legally adopted, said she had long considered becominga foster parent but wasn't sure if she would face discrimination.
Jennifer Powell-Lunder, a clinical psychologist and author of "Teenage as Second Language: A Parent's Guide to Becoming Bilingual, " says midcareer professionals must be especially vigilant about recognizing when they sound like teen wannabes.