The Truth About Babies

Abstract:
This engaging, humorous brochure encourages young people to consider carefully the decision for early parenthood. It targets teens who want to have a baby--or don't mind if they have a baby--by providing straightforward facts about babies. Most of these facts are things that teens already know but may be overshadowed by the idea of babies as "cute, soft, cuddly, and warm." The facts include: 1) new babies almost never sleep through the night; 2) your home is the baby's home ("Babies don't 'go home' when you are tired or want to do something else. The baby is at home."); 3) babies don't talk ("They cry when they are sad, hungry, need attention or want their diapers changed. Sometimes they cry just to cry."); 4) babies can hurt themselves ("Pins, balloons, food, dirt, gum--it's all the same to a baby."); and 5) babies don't earn a living. The brochure provides sample exercises to help teens imagine life with a baby. Regarding sleep, for instance, the brochure suggests: "Set your alarm for 3 a.m. Get up and turn on your least favorite music full blast. Then go into the kitchen and heat up some milk....Do this thirty nights in a row." The brochure avoids condescension and encourages teens to make the best decision for themselves regarding parenthood. Overall, it is an excellent resource for family life classes and school health centers.

Author(s): LELAND, David


Date Published: 1/1/1995

Pages: 2

Comments:
Alternate phone number: (408) 438-4060; alternate fax number: (408) 438-3618.

Location Code: 3059