Hello. I am currently taking a parenting education class through my school. I am the only mom in the class, and so I was put on the task of explaining the *side effects* of becoming a young mother. And honestly, I don't know exaclty what to tell them. I mean, they have heard about money, and that your priorities change, adn all that stuff. But I want to tell them some of teh stuff they havent heard before. And honestly, i can not come up with anything. i mean, I got plenty of positive things to say. But if I only tell them positive things I am scared they will all end up wanting babies. Does anyone have any idea on what i can tell them? It can be negative or positive. Thank you!

here's a little material for you

and by the way, I LOVE PARENTING, it's worth it
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You want to have a child ?
Are you really sure ?
Are you ready for this ?

The following is at least valid for the first 2 to 3 years !

You will never sleep for longer than 3 hours straight for a year.
You will have to feed your child an average of 8 times per day (ever 3 hours) for the first 6 months at least, around the clock, every day.
You will never have 2 free hands any more, one (at least) is always used for the child.
You will always carry a bag with stuff around
You can never again go out at night without planning to have a babysitter, and paying him, and you will always be afraid of that phone call (the child woke up and is crying and won�t calm down)
You will never go out for dinner any more
You will not go out for movies any more
If you want 2 free hours, you must pay for it
You can not have a snack without the kid also wanting one
You can never do paperwork (taxes !) except when you paid for a babysitter
You cannot go throw out the trash without hurrying, because you know the kid is alone in the house
You cannot go get a pizza quickly
You can only have a relaxed bath if your kid is asleep (and stays so)
Every hour you work you have to pay for the babysitter
You cannot go ice skating any more
You must pay for a babysitter to get a haircut
You have to do your shopping in the time the baby is in a good mood or sleeping or everyone will look at you and think you are a bad parent because the kids is hungry, or has a full nappy, or�
You can never go skiing any more
You cannot go dancing any more
You will loose all your friends, because THEY go to movies, dinner, dancing, skiing, skating�.and you always have to say NO
You will be wondering what to do on grey days, with the baby, alone, at home, or every winter evening.
Forget any hobbies you had, the baby won�t let you.
You cannot read a newspaper any more without someone ripping it or crawling over it.
You cannot go hiking any more, except if you can carry 12 kg on your back.
You cannot read a book, because that is exactly when the baby stops playing alone.
You can sit on the couch and watch the baby though
You can never put you book or your cup of tea or you pen on a low table any more
You can never leave your open lap top around

Superb Daniela, you tell it as it is.
There is just one more to add I think.
Any ideas of going to the toilet on your own once they start walking are out as well.


Mark

Wow Daniela, very good list.
Also, along the same lines as Mark, your shower time will only be allowed as your babies nap time permits, and you'd better hurry no self pampering, in case the baby decides to wake up.

the list is completely true. but don't forget the emotional stress. being a single parent :
-you worry about when your child is going to ask why don't I have a mother or father.
- emotional stress
- you don't date because you don't want people in and out of your kids life
- constantly arguing w/ex regardless if you had a good break and get along
- takes alot to finish college (who watches the kid when you go to class, you get no sleep, because you are studying through the night because the baby is sleeping)
- you have to think about what other girl or guy may influence your child if your ex dates
- constantly judged by people who do not know your own situation. Alot of people think you are a skank for girls and a for guys.they don't think you have morals.
- jobs are limited to your flexibilty because you do have a child
hope some of these help. just check out some posts. you will see the negatives along w/ positives.

...and if they answer, they wouldn't be single parents, but married, tell them to not rely on that, as statistics are against them: almost every second child in the US grows up (at least part of his/her life) in a single parent family.
Yes, a peek into this forum will be a great 'eye openener' too.

If your input at the parenting class avoids even only one unwanted child it was worth it !

D.