Jamie Lynn Spears surprised many when she announced she was pregnant at age 16.

But many parents — whose children tune in to Spears’ wholesome Nickelodeon show, Zoey 101 — are finding themselves in the awkward position of having to explain the scandal to their kids.

NYC-based psychotherapist Robi Ludwig gave Usmagazine.com these five tips:

1. Ask your children questions
“Find out what your children’s thoughts are: What’s your understanding? What do you think about Jamie Lynn being pregnant at 16 and unmarried?”

2. Be honest
“Parents need to be straight forward and say, ‘This is not a wise choice.’”

3. See if your child knows about birth control
“Do they understand that having [unprotected sex] is not a wise decision? It’s very hard because kids will probably always have facts before their parents are ready to give them. But you have to deal with that kind of discomfort.”

4. Tell them the consequences of having a baby so young
“In general, the statement needs to be, ‘It’s a really sad situation.’ Tell them it’s ideal to have a child when you’re an adult, and you’ve had a whole range of experiences and you’re ready to settle down in your life. It’s not ideal when you’re a teenager.”

5. Help them find a new role model

“I think it’s fair to say, ‘This is not who you want to emulate. You might like her, enjoy her work, but her personal life is not one you want to emulate.’”

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