What's it like to be a teen parent?

During the second semester students have the opportunity to learn more about the challenges of parenting. Each student is assigned a baby simulator for 4 days and nights. The student is responsible for the care of their infant during that time period. The infant simulators cry when care is needed. The student must then determine what type of care is required i.e. diaper change, bottle, burp, rock. The infant simulator recognizes only the assigned caregiver and will not respond to anyone else. The purpose of the infant simulator is to show students how difficult and challenging parenting can be and to encourage them to wait to become parents.

Students are asked to keep a baby book during the simulation. Keeping an account of the times the baby demanded care and what the baby interrupted helps to show them the magnitude of the impact a child has on your life. At the conclusion students are asked to write a brief description of the experience. Below are a few of their observations:

"Well the experience wasn't anything I expected. My mom babysits and so I have quite a bit of experience with infants. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I thought I was pretty prepared. I wasn't prepared at all and caring for the child was physically draining."

"Taking care of this child is hard work, just like I expected. It has been a physical and emotional challenge. It has worn me down in every way possible and has pushed me to the breaking point. The baby has taught me forgiveness. I am definitely not ready to have a child."