New school year brings new class: parenting

By JENNIFER RADCLIFFE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
PARENTING 101

Here are some of the topics expected to be covered in the proposed Parenting and Paternity Awareness curriculum:

• What is a parent?

• Establishing paternity

• Benefits of legal fatherhood

• What it takes to be a parent

• Single parenting

• Parents who don't pay

• Love, marriage and a baby carriage: What's in your future?

• Choosing healthy relationships

• Marriage and families

• Looking at relationship violence

Source: Office of the Attorney General

Sandwiched between lessons on counting calories and staving off disease, high school health teachers will offer hefty doses of parenting advice in the next school year.

A new state law requires that parenting and paternity awareness be included in the high school health curriculum by 2008-09. The State Board of Education plans this week to adopt a curriculum developed by the Office of the Attorney General, an agency charged with, among other duties, cracking down on fathers who fail to support their children.

"We saw that taking a preventive role would be very important," said Janece Rolfe, a spokeswoman with the attorney general's office. "We think it's certainly never too early for children to understand this."

The curriculum first was written in 1995 but is being revised to fulfill the mandate.

Jean Smith, who oversees the teen parenting program in the Alief school district in southwest Houston, said she's thrilled that students will be exposed to the information. Alief has used it for about five years in parenting and child development elective courses, she said.

"It's fantastic. It's real life about the paternity laws," she said. "They have pieces about relationships. The curriculum has activities where the teenagers can learn about themselves."

Middle schoolers could even benefit, Smith said.

"It needs to start sooner, frankly," she said. "If they're watching soap operas and movies and all of this by age 13, then they need to be exposed to what relationships are all about."

'Children raising children'
State Board of Education member Terri Leo said she could understand why others might think the ninth and 10th grades are a bit premature for most students.

Unfortunately, she said, statistics show that many teens need the facts.

Birth rates among 15- to 19-year-olds in the United States rose slightly in 2006 to 41.9 births per 1,000 girls, according to recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

"If they're going to become parents, which I prefer they not do at this age, they need to know some of this information," said Leo, a Republican from Spring. "We all hate sometimes having to have these discussions, but I do think there are difficult things we need to talk about with these kids."

Mercedes Alejandro of Houston, whose 16-year-old daughter has two pregnant friends, applauds the state for making sure teens are informed.

"It's kind of like, it happens or it's going to happen, and the consequence if we do nothing is that it's going to be children raising children — children who are unaware or unprepared," she said. "And the information about the child support, the boys need to hear that."

Perry has 'concerns'
Donna Price, secondary science and health academic coordinator for the Humble district in northeast Harris County, agrees that the topics have merit but is concerned about how teachers are going to squeeze the lessons into an already crowded class.

"The tricky thing is that health in high school is just one semester," she said. "Trying to pack it in and making it meaningful is definitely challenging."

She also wonders whether the information will seem pertinent. "You're talking about 15-year-olds," she said. "For them to be able to cognitively process it and understand the consequences, you can only hope for the best."

Gov. Rick Perry also had concerns about prescribing such a specific curriculum. Last spring, he explained why he wasn't going to sign the law.

"These goals are worthy of attention in high school health classes," the statement said. "However, I have serious concerns about the Legislature mandating programs be included in the Texas curriculum. Additionally, it is always my preference to focus on preserving a high-quality core curriculum that focuses on college and workforce readiness."

State education board President Don McLeroy said he hasn't heard any concerns about the plan and expects it to win easy approval on Friday.

Wow, I think it is good that they are offering this stuff, the thing that gets me is, establishing paternity. Wow.

We had a similiar class when I was in 8th grade, it was called LMS (life management skills)... we learned to balance a checkbook, basic child care and such.

With all the teen pregnancies and promiscuity I don't blame them for implementing things like that into a HS curriculum.

As long as it is an ELECTIVE, I'm ok with it.

Totally awesome (-8

especially with the new studies that just found teen pregnancies on the rise i think it's a genius idea

Wow, I think it is good that they are offering this stuff, the thing that gets me is, establishing paternity. Wow.

it happens with adults too. Its not as if most people do not know who the father of the child is (although that can happen too) it is that sometimes the father denies he is the father. So you establish his paternity so that you can then go to court and get an order of child support. Not every father automatically signs the birth cert.

I got the impression that this was not an elective but a required health course.

I also did not like the sound of laove, marriage, and a baby carriage, whats in your future. It sounds just from the title that they will be teaching that everyone has to be married then have kids marriage is not for every couple even ones living together for 10-20 years and raising a family. I don't want a school teaching my children about the "right" steps in life are a, b, c.

Yeah, I would want to see the entire curriculum before I would want my child in a class like that. I wish the schools would stick to teaching academics, really...

I think it's a great idea. We had the same basic class, they called it "living skills" and you learned everything from cooking & sewing to sex ed and childcare. There are way too many "kids" out there fresh out of high school who are clueless as to how to live and manage their lives without their parents. I think classes like this, as a whole, are a fantastic idea! :yes

Yeah, I would want to see the entire curriculum before I would want my child in a class like that. I wish the schools would stick to teaching academics, really...

unfortunately with parents relying more and more on schools to raise their children things like this need to be implemented

Yeah, I would want to see the entire curriculum before I would want my child in a class like that. I wish the schools would stick to teaching academics, really...

They've been doing that....look where we are.

"Where we are" in reference to what? Education? Obviously they have not been focusing enough on academics because the average high school grad can barely even read nowadays. Maybe if they quit trying to teach "morals" the average American would be better off nowadays?

I personally wouldn't want someone else teaching my child about how to be a "good parent" nor would I want them to teach her about religion or how to be a good person. Thats my job...

"Where we are" in reference to what? Education? Obviously they have not been focusing enough on academics because the average high school grad can barely even read nowadays. Maybe if they quit trying to teach "morals" the average American would be better off nowadays?

I personally wouldn't want someone else teaching my child about how to be a "good parent" nor would I want them to teach her about religion or how to be a good person. Thats my job...

True true... I don't think they are talking about "good" parenting, I think they are just probably teaching basic parenting. As in, changing diapers, bathing properly, the general care, etc. and also cooking, laundry, balancing checkbooks, etc. I don't see where that is a bad thing at all. I know we have had discussions on here about women who are terrified of divorce because they don't think they would know how to live on their own... and how some women stay in bad marriages because they fear living alone and not being able to manage. Also, I know grown men who (because of their mothers) never learned to cook, do laundry, etc. so where the hell has this class been??? :lol

"Where we are" in reference to what? Education? Obviously they have not been focusing enough on academics because the average high school grad can barely even read nowadays. Maybe if they quit trying to teach "morals" the average American would be better off nowadays?

I personally wouldn't want someone else teaching my child about how to be a "good parent" nor would I want them to teach her about religion or how to be a good person. Thats my job...

Some proof?

Where are we now... I think that was referring to the skyrocketing rate of teen pregnancy in US? :yes Probably what she was referring to in that phrase. I get what you are saying about school teaching morals but hey, I'm not going to get hopped up about the school trying to teach my child MORE life skills than I am teaching her at home. Both my kids will know where the final word comes from and be secure enough in what I've taught them to know the difference between good advice and something that goes against "what my parents taught me".

it happens with adults too. Its not as if most people do not know who the father of the child is (although that can happen too) it is that sometimes the father denies he is the father. So you establish his paternity so that you can then go to court and get an order of child support. Not every father automatically signs the birth cert.

I got the impression that this was not an elective but a required health course.

I also did not like the sound of laove, marriage, and a baby carriage, whats in your future. It sounds just from the title that they will be teaching that everyone has to be married then have kids marriage is not for every couple even ones living together for 10-20 years and raising a family. I don't want a school teaching my children about the "right" steps in life are a, b, c.

I know, I'm not denying that it may be necessary, just upset that it is. That's all.

Where are we now... I think that was referring to the skyrocketing rate of teen pregnancy in US? :yes Probably what she was referring to in that phrase. I get what you are saying about school teaching morals but hey, I'm not going to get hopped up about the school trying to teach my child MORE life skills than I am teaching her at home. Both my kids will know where the final word comes from and be secure enough in what I've taught them to know the difference between good advice and something that goes against "what my parents taught me".

Honestly, not everyone has that at home. And hey, is there such thing as too much reinforcement of this particular idea? Don't get knocked up in high school and if you do, don't mooch off the government tit.

Let me clarify. Basically, I feel if they had been teaching "safe sex" (something grounded in SCIENCE) in health class, then this would not be necessary.

I don't think they are talking about "good" parenting, I think they are just probably teaching basic parenting.

I think thats why I said I would want to see the curriculum before my daughter took any such class... If they are teaching that babies are AWFUL, AWFUL HORRIBLE PAINS, (lol) then I would probably be okay with it. However, if they were teaching that good chrisitan girls have babies and raise them this way.... I would have a problem. I would just want to know beforehand.

Some proof?

I am a non-traditional college student. TRUST ME when I say I have read essays written by other students in comp 101 and it is UNBELIEVABLE what they think will pass in college. I am talking about students using "txt talk" in essays and thinking it is an acceptable form of English. I am actually shocked at what the kids today think pass as a formal college essay. I am also a journalism major, btw, so not saying I am a brilliant writer, but seriously some kids can barely write a coherent sentence.

I think basically what I am saying here is that it is not the schools job to teach other things besides the basics. I actually have a friend who firmly believes that the schools should teach about Jesus because some parents don't do so. I don't EVER want anyone to formally talk to my child about Jesus or his teachings (in school) because I think his message has been perverted by organized religion and retarded people.. I will be damned to see a pregnant 16 year old girl get married just because some teacher says its the "right" thing to do if she gets pregnant. I want to raise my daughter to be smart and independent and think for herself. If the school contradicts those teachings then I believe they are violating my rights and those of my child.

All I am saying is that I would want to know if the teachings contradicted my beliefs or not before I would allow my child to attend the class. If they didn't, then I would have absolutely no problem with it.

Let me clarify. Basically, I feel if they had been teaching "safe sex" (something grounded in SCIENCE) in health class, then this would not be necessary.



I think thats why I said I would want to see the curriculum before my daughter took any such class... If they are teaching that babies are AWFUL, AWFUL HORRIBLE PAINS, (lol) then I would probably be okay with it. However, if they were teaching that good chrisitan girls have babies and raise them this way.... I would have a problem. I would just want to know beforehand.



I am a non-traditional college student. TRUST ME when I say I have read essays written by other students in comp 101 and it is UNBELIEVABLE what they think will pass in college. I am talking about students using "txt talk" in essays and thinking it is an acceptable form of English. I am actually shocked at what the kids today think pass as a formal college essay. I am also a journalism major, btw, so not saying I am a brilliant writer, but seriously some kids can barely write a coherent sentence.

I think basically what I am saying here is that it is not the schools job to teach other things besides the basics. I actually have a friend who firmly believes that the schools should teach about Jesus because some parents don't do so. I don't EVER want anyone to formally talk to my child about Jesus or his teachings (in school) because I think his message has been perverted by organized religion and retarded people.. I will be damned to see a pregnant 16 year old girl get married just because some teacher says its the "right" thing to do if she gets pregnant. I want to raise my daughter to be smart and independent and think for herself. If the school contradicts those teachings then I believe they are violating my rights and those of my child.

All I am saying is that I would want to know if the teachings contradicted my beliefs or not before I would allow my child to attend the class. If they didn't, then I would have absolutely no problem with it.

Totally understandable but as in life, your child will encounter constant contradictions of the beliefs you have taught her and you cannot be there to shelter her 24/7 so at some point, you have to trust her to know the right and the wrong of the world from what you have taught her at home. I have taught my daughter that being mean to other kids is not the way to be and not to talk ugly or use curse words. She hears constant contradiction at school and hears kids do exactly what I taught her is wrong on a daily basis but it doesn't make her do it. She still goes by what *I* have taught her and tells her peers at school that they should not act the way they do. I do understand where you are coming from but unless she attends a private school that is religious based then the education you hope for her is out of reach.

I do agree with you about the Essay thing. It is even in the last 2 or 3 years that I have noticed this. I hate taking classes at my school that are below a 200 level because alot of the people in it are ridiculous, they can't write and they talk during class! In college! I get so mad because its like HEY I AM PAYING FOR THIS!! But I think teaching things like making sure the baby is dressed warm enough or cool enough for the weather or how to prepare formula or what ever is a good thing. I personally will be a high school health teacher in a year and I can not picture teaching kids anything about jesus or being good little Christian girls who get married and have babies.

I have taught my daughter that being mean to other kids is not the way to be and not to talk ugly or use curse words. She hears constant contradiction at school and hears kids do exactly what I taught her is wrong on a daily basis but it doesn't make her do it.

LOL. Right, that is totally understandable buy I know you would be upset if the TEACHER was telling her its ok to hit and be mean to other kids.... right?


but unless she attends a private school that is religious based then the education you hope for her is out of reach.

I think you missed my point. I completely HATE religion. I would sooner die than send my child to a private religious school. ROFL. I am saying that I don't think a "baby class" is really an EDUCATION or ACADEMIC based class. I feel that "teaching" about family life in class has the potential to include "Christian based family values" and I don't like that. I do understand that other children may talk about their religion in school. Thats fine. But the teacher absolutely should not.

I think it is pretty shameful that the schools are allowed to continuously stray from teaching "school" things. I know a lot of people here would be mad if their kid was learning about religion or religious based values in school. Whats the difference between teaching religious stuff, family stuff... anything thats not reading and writing? They are there to teach READING AND WRITING. I just wish they would do it instead of trying to cram in all this other idealistic crap that has nothing to do with academics and just makes parents mad.

I don't get the harm in teaching kids living skills in school. I had a similar class in school and it's really not as big an issue as it's being made out to be. Cooking, laundry, proper cleaning, diapering, etc... those are skills that people need to learn regardless of whether or not they are having sex. For those who don't get it at home, I'm glad it's offered at school.

The teachers will say and do things at some point, in some way, through their school experience that you may not agree with but that doesn't bother me because my child will know what I expect of her and how I feel about certain subjects. I'm just saying, I don't see what the huge issue is with a living skills class.

I do agree with you about the Essay thing. It is even in the last 2 or 3 years that I have noticed this. I hate taking classes at my school that are below a 200 level because alot of the people in it are ridiculous, they can't write and they talk during class! In college! I get so mad because its like HEY I AM PAYING FOR THIS!! But I think teaching things like making sure the baby is dressed warm enough or cool enough for the weather or how to prepare formula or what ever is a good thing. I personally will be a high school health teacher in a year and I can not picture teaching kids anything about jesus or being good little Christian girls who get married and have babies.

i agree with the essay thing too. one day kids will be on their own and will need to know how to take care of a child (even if it's just babysitting) and general life skills

Seems to me that they are just IMPROVING the parenting type classes they already have.
Kids in my high school had to carry around those robot babies for semesters at a time. Now hopefully they can get the full view of parenting. It isn't just feeding and changing a kid. It brings MUCH MORE responsibility.

This class would have also been beneficial for the ten or more girls who got pregnant every year at my high school.

Its ridiculous, but it happens. I love this idea.

I think it's sad that these classes are needed at all. I can see cooking, cleaning, and finances, but parenting? If parents would just step up to the plate and be responsible for their young children this class (talking only about the parenting portion) would not be needed at all. I guess we just live in an age where we all expect our schools to make up for our lack of parenting.

I guess we just live in an age where we all expect our schools to make up for our lack of parenting.

I think that was kinda my point. I don't think it is the schools place.

I think that was kinda my point. I don't think it is the schools place.

then who's place is it when the parents refuse? should we just let these kids go into the world unprepared

then who's place is it when the parents refuse? should we just let these kids go into the world unprepared

It should remain an elective (because from the woman in the article saying it is the same course she has been teaching in her elective health course brought up to date I am ASSuming this new class will be mando) I will teach my children about all of that stuff. I don't want a mando course teaching them you must do A,B,C and not do it any differently or your life will not work out. (I get bad vibes from the love, marriage, & baby carriage what is in your future subject name) I don't believe that myself and don't need a school teaching my children that either.

If they want to combat teenage pregnancies then teach them (in an elective) sex ed course accurately and get rid of Mr. Bush's abstinence only program because that way is not working. Everything besides the parenting courses can be taught in Home EC. (cooking, grocery shopping, how to balance a check book)

As long as it is an ELECTIVE, I'm ok with it.

Oh, it's not elective. School districts are MANDATED, by the State, to offer it during health curriculum.

Oh, it's not elective. School districts are MANDATED, by the State, to offer it during health curriculum.

Thats what I thought I would have a problem with that.

Thats what I thought I would have a problem with that.

'tis the times in which we live....

then who's place is it when the parents refuse? should we just let these kids go into the world unprepared

I think other people don't prepare their children for life all the time. People who spoil their kids, people who teach religion to their kids, I believe they are wrong. But its none of my business, and its none of the schools business either.

....its none of the schools business either.

I would tend to agree with you EXCEPT: when students come to us totally unprepared by parents to deal with the realities outside of school, the burden falls to someone. That someone (or organization), school, may be the only constant adult attention some children EVER receive. Those of us in the education business are in the unique position of having RELATIONSHIPS with these kids. Sometimes we (school) are all the kids have. Sad? Yes. Unfair? Yes. Reality? Yes.

Schools are charged with preparing students for life. Gone are the days when we could teach "reading, writing and arithmetic" and call it a good day. Real life sometimes intrudes into the classroom and schools are rising to the challenge of meeting those needs that are, obviously, not being met any other way.

People get into the business of K-12 education NOT because they are interested in filling a brain with knowledge but because they care about the entire child and they have a sincere desire to see them be successful. If teaching kids about parenting will help those kids succeed, and it fills a void of instruction that they must not be getting at home (for whatever reason), then I say, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

I would tend to agree with you EXCEPT: when students come to us totally unprepared by parents to deal with the realities outside of school, the burden falls to someone.

But who is qualified to judge whether or not a child is properly prepared for life or not?

Schools are charged with preparing students for life. Gone are the days when we could teach "reading, writing and arithmetic" and call it a good day.

I also disagree with ya there. Schools are charged with providing an education. By no means does an education prepare you for real life. Only life and experience can do that. ;)

People get into the business of K-12 education NOT because they are interested in filling a brain with knowledge but because they care about the entire child and they have a sincere desire to see them be successful.

Okay, thats fair. But your idea of what will help a child succeed obviously differs from mine. And everyone has a different idea about it, not just the two of us. It's also such a variant thing because no one can predict which children will or will not succeed. Some people go to college and get fantastic educations and still fail miserably at their lives. Some people drop out of high school and make something of themselves anyway. Just because you don't believe a child is going to be successful that doesn't make it true.

If teaching kids about parenting will help those kids succeed, and it fills a void of instruction that they must not be getting at home (for whatever reason), then I say, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

I just don't even get how taking some class actually would prepare you for being a parent anyway? It's kind of a learn-by-doing thing. The best thing you can do for your kids is care about them, after that you are going to make mistakes no matter what you do. It's not a skill thats based on mechanics. The ability to change a diaper is something ANYONE can learn once they become a parent. No one ever taught me to change a diaper and I did just fine with it for years :P

So I guess I just don't see where the "void of instruction" actually exists? Changing a diaper is not a skill that most high schoolers are going to need. In fact it is a skill that NOBODY needs until they become a parent. When that time comes, they will learn by trial and error anyway. So why waste class time???

As soon as I read that bulleted list from the Chronicle, I was suspicious. Not terribly like the State Board of Education to try and come up with catchy little phrases for curriculum requirements, folks. Try and look into things BEFORE you get in a twist, m'kay?

Here, for your reading pleasure are the Curriculum Guidelines for the additional health curriculum, in question. Enjoy!


ATTACHMENT II
Text of Proposed New 19 TAC
Chapter 74. Curriculum Requirements
Subchapter C. Other Provisions
§74.35. Additional Requirements for High School Health Classes.
(a) A school district and an open-enrollment charter school shall incorporate instruction in parenting awareness into any course meeting a requirement for a health education credit, using the materials approved by the State Board of Education for this purpose in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(p). Implementation of this requirement shall comply with requirements that the board of trustees of each school district establish a local school health advisory council to assist the district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district's health education instruction as stated in TEC, §28.004.
(b) A school district may add elements at its discretion but must include the following areas of instruction:
(1) parenting skills and responsibilities, including child support;
(2) relationship skills, including money management, communication, and marriage preparation; and
(3) skills relating to the prevention of family violence, only if the school district's high schools do not have a family violence prevention program.
(c) If the required high school health education credit is earned through a course taken prior to Grade 9, the materials and parenting awareness instruction must be incorporated into that course or, at the district's discretion, may be incorporated into another course available to all students in Grades 9-12.
(d) A school district shall use the materials approved by the State Board of Education for this purpose beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.
Link to the document on the TEA (Texas Education Agency) website (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe/schedule/2008/january/instruction/attachments/3_health_a2.pdf)

Still have a problem with a school teaching my children marriage preparation.

Thats why I won't move to Texas over the past year I have read of so many things they do in their schools that I do not agree with.

... Try and look into things BEFORE you get in a twist, m'kay?

Sorry, y'all - that wasn't nice. Jumping at media outlet fodder like it's gospel is a pet peeve of mine. Doesn't excuse being snippy, though.

ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district's health education instruction

Thats the magic phrase right there. What are "local community values" anyway? meh. no thanks.

Thats why I won't move to Texas over the past year I have read of so many things they do in their schools that I do not agree with.

Yep. Texas is creepy. ROFL!

I think that the schools should teach parenting but they should make it an elective. Suppose to be seperation of church and state....you know

Thats the magic phrase right there. What are "local community values" anyway? meh. no thanks.



Yep. Texas is creepy. ROFL!

texas isn't creepy.

texas isn't creepy.

LOL its a matter of opinion isn't it?

LOL its a matter of opinion isn't it?

And we all have them. :bliss

yep opinions are like..well you know what they say. just because you are anti whatever doesn't give you the go ahead to insult a place (i distinctly remember people doing it to kat when she said she hates cali.). and yes i'm a native texan

I don't care when Kat hates on Cali just when I hear dirty hippies thrown about. I have since gotten over that though as it is not something I can control so why get my panties in a wad every time I read it.

For clarification though I will never move to Texas because I disagree with many policies and courses they have in their public & charter school system. I don't hate the people, I don't hate the town's/cities, I dislike how their public education is conducted.

see that clarification i don't mind because that's a fundamental thing but just saying you hate a place to hate a place bugs me because there are good things to every place.

eh, who cares... I'm from Mississippi and most people hate my state but I don't really give a rats ass... they don't HAVE to like it. I love it! :o)

I'm just saying, some people my think states are "this" or "that" and they are entitled to feel however they feel and really, it doesn't matter. :dunno

Jill dahlink I never said I hated it just to hate it. I never even used the word hate. I Luvz yah though.

i know green mammy :) i have a lot of loyalty to my home state so yah

Ew, ew, have we had an "How do you feel when people bash your home state debate?"

laney it's my fault, i got butt hurt

LOL. I am sorry. I lived in Texas for a long time while my mom was in the military. I experienced a lot of horrible things there. I wasn't trying to say that it was a bad place. It's just that I would never want to live there again.

Aside from that I have not met ONE PERSON who thinks Las Vegas is a nice place to live, including my husband who thinks this place is literally hell. But I still think its BADASS!!! here (see, badass with THREE exclamation points even!)

So sorry, I wasn't trying to hate on Texans.

laney it's my fault, i got butt hurt

I wasn't being sarcastic, it was a serious question. If we haven't it might be worth debating.:) I understand having your feelings hurt if someone doesn't like where you are from, but I also understand not being happy in place you aren't used to, also.

LOL. I am sorry. I lived in Texas for a long time while my mom was in the military. I experienced a lot of horrible things there. I wasn't trying to say that it was a bad place. It's just that I would never want to live there again.

Aside from that I have not met ONE PERSON who thinks Las Vegas is a nice place to live, including my husband who thinks this place is literally hell. But I still think its BADASS!!! here (see, badass with THREE exclamation points even!)

So sorry, I wasn't trying to hate on Texans.

it's okay i just really miss home right now--just had a baby and all my family is home in TX and it is very near and dear to me. i just got butt hurt for no reason really, i'm stuck in a place completely different from TX (i'm in WA lol).

(i'm in WA lol).

I was born there. Stupid rain!!!:D

Texas is creepy to me too, but I am not from there and like I have heard over and over again, it's a WHOLE different world right? :lol I still love you though Jill. I don't think you are creepy. :P

exactly texas is a completely different world. you can drive 20 miles and go from big city to tiny rodeo town.

You know I wish that they had offered this sooner...there were so many kids prego in HS and My little sis could have used this class! She is really unsure how to care for her son.....She is learning and that is all that matters...but I like this...It should be MANDO in all school!

My Step Dad's last stationing was at NS Ingleside and I mean to tell you...Kids..babies at 12 and 13 PREGO and didn't know a thing about child rearing....too many babies left to be raised by just babies...soooo sad!!

I've been thinking about this for a while now and I can say that I would NOT let our children take a class in school that taught them how to parent or be a good spouse. :dunno