Monday, April 14, 2008

I'm a GRANDMA!!



Okay, not really. The second weekend of April, Taylor brought home "the baby". Students in "Skills for Living" class are required to bring home a virtual baby for a weekend. This "life like" baby doll is computer program to simulate a three-day old baby's behavior and routine. (routine, now that's funny!)
Starting Friday night at 6 pm Taylor entered "parenthood 101". From 6-8 it was pretty calm and it didn't do anything really. So, at 8:00 I suggested to Taylor that he hit the sack and try to catch a little nap while the baby napped. Taylor took my advice and went and crashed with Baby Jazz. Yes, baby Jazz, lovely name huh? At midnight the fun began...Taylor was quick to respond to the baby's needs, but by 3:30 am after multiple feedings, changings and what seemed for him, eternity to get Jazz to burp, he was reduced to tears. "I DON'T like this, I don't want to be father, I don't want a baby...." Finally Jazz slept and so did Taylor.
Saturday, Jazz pretty much slept all stinking day....I quickly noticed and reconized the patterned. (Sarah pulled this and so did Erin) I suggested to Taylor, sleep when baby sleeps and really SLEEP...Taylor took my advice again, and Saturday night/Sunday morning went much smoother.
Sunday, was pretty easy. We watched the race, Star Wars, and Taylor and I filled out our questionaires. "Did this experience open any opportunities for discussion?" Duh... Like Taylor, you get a girl pregnant at 14, make me grandma before you graduate, you're so dead!!..... Actually, I pointed out that most young men aren't an active parent when they're in their teens. The young man usually continues playing football, goes to college and sometimes forget they even played a part in conceiving a child. He doesn't get up for feedings, changings, burping, comforting...teen mom and her family are stuck with these responsibilities. Her education is cut short, finances are tight and both she and the child suffer.
Taylor knows that the minute he even THINKS he's going to be sexually active, he better have a condom and use it. He should never assume that the young lady is on the pill or that it's her soul responsibility to prevent pregancy or STD's. If he's mature enough for sex, he's then expected be responsible for his actions. AND IF, AND IF, for any reason he does become a teen father, he will find a way to share in the responsiblities and the sacrifices it takes to be a parent. That's if he lives thru the first trimester (Taylor, not the baby...) Cuz he's gonna have one red hot p.o'd momma and I'm pretty sure his father will flip out too.
Overall, the experience was a good one. I think Taylor walked away with a better idea of what being a father is like. (and that his parents aren't lazy when they want to sleep in occasionally!) I'm very fortunate to have a son who will listen and share in conversations about sex, relationships and "growing up". I'm VERY fortunate to have a son who comes to me with questions and shares his thoughts about sex, relationships, dating and "growing up". When his time comes, I think Taylor will be a loving husband and a great father. Within the first 3 feedings and changings, Taylor had already begun referring to the baby with pet names, not Jazz, he talked to her like a person, not a doll and was very attentive to every noise that little computer generated....not bad kiddo. Not bad at all....

4 comments:

Staci said...

Way to go Taylor! (In the mean time I'm trying not to pass out because I'm NOT ready for any of those conversations, thoughts, questions, whatever! Thank goodness I have some time - I think I might die.) So teenagers get virtual lessons on how to be a parent to a baby, do parents get virtual lessons on how to be a parent to a teenager??????

Shaunery said...

You get that lesson when they hand you the "How To" book when you give birth...still waiting for mine. Must be in the mail. :)

Jeanne Lobsinger said...

Great job Taylor! Time to come and babysit real kids. I need a sitter for Saturday morning. I need to leave the house at 8:30am and will be back 12:30pm. Just have your Mom bring you. Thanks!!
Bah-Bah.

Anonymous said...

You forgot the "I'm sorry" comment you got from Taylor and the "I now understand why you get upset" comment from him. What a rude awaking he got a young age.

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