Teenage Fathers: The Missing-Father Myth

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1074862,00.html
  I thought this would be a good subject to write about since in our last two class periods we have been discussing teenage fathers. The article above was very interesting to me and also mentioned more than one thing our guess speaker spoke about. In the above article, they mentioned that there was a recent study that showed that many young fathers are not only willing but eager to help their partner and offspring. This is rare for us to see this on 16 and Pregnant because we mainly only see the life of the mother and the typical father on the show which is a guy that is distant from the child's mother or does not want to have much to do with the child. I would like to see on 16 and Pregnant what the study shows which is fathers wanting to be active in the child's life. I understand that MTV want to keep their ratings up so they need couples that have drama to catch their audience attention. But, it would be like to see the "reality" of teen pregnancy (including the father) in this present time.
  As mentioned at the end of the article, there are very few programs that are designed for teenage fathers. There are many programs that benefit the mothers but why not the fathers? At my high school we had a program once a week for teenage mothers but I never understood why the fathers were not a participant in the program as well. I believe that if there were more programs to benefit the father that there would be less teenage pregnancies. Once a father have a child under the age of 20 it is likely that another pregnancy will occur soon or the father will lack in some other area such a qutting school and/or having a low paying job. The programs for the fathers could potentially help him get on his feet and finish school and help find a nice paying job for his age, lastly teach him how he can be active in his child life since most are unsure on how to help. This would not only benefit his life but the child's life as well. I hope in the near future that the media will give more recognition to the father so that these issue can be resolved.
(Brittney Williams) 

Continuing with this week's theme of teen fathers...

Article link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1074862-1,00.html

I believe this TIME article not only coincides with the messages Jennifer Beggs Weber (our guest speaker this week) was sharing with us, but also with the messages we are fed through society about teen fathers.
There are strong stereotypes toward teen fathers suggesting that they impregnate the mother and then leave. If they don't leave, they typically do not/or are unable to offer the financial support necessary for the child. It is also frequently assumed that teen fathers do not form or keep a relationship with their child.
I find it encouraging, however, to hear from people like Jennifer and through articles like this one that these stereotypes are more than wrong and that fathers more often embrace the experience. I also find it encouraging that there is an increased interest in developing programs that help teen fathers. There are many programs offered to teen moms for support, but I imagine these new opportunities for fathers are somewhat relieving to them.
I can appreciate Terry's statement about ending the pattern of teen parenting: "I know it will stop with my son." I imgagine that seeing and experiencing the struggle of teen parenting would encourage Terry to teach his son that waiting to have children might be beneficial for everyone. I guess I am making some assumptions about the struggles. What do you all think?

(Brittany Randolph)

Secret Life Of the American Teenager

I'm sure all of us have seen at least one episode of Secret Life, but if you haven't here's a little brief synopsis: Good Girl, Amy Jergens gets swept off her feet at band camp (how ironic) by Self-proclaimed Bad Boy Ricky, whom she loses her virginity too. Long story short she gets pregnant, big surprise, and ends up keeping her child. Of course there's other drama that goes along with the series but you catch my drift. Shows like these often glamorize teen pregnancy. It almost makes you believe that situations like Amy's could actually happen to you. When it's far from the truth. Your not gonna have all of your family and friends supporting you, and your not always going to finish your education as you planned, all while having a hot steamy romance on side. It's just not realistic, and shows like these really send the wrong message. Teen pregnancy is anything but glamorous, and I admire young mothers who go through these hard times on a regular basis. Because I don't know about you, but I couldn't. It's about time, the media comes out with a show or a movie (other than Teen Mom) that doesn't have actresses with perfectly painted faces and bodies, and gorgeous boyfriends on the side. Because life is anything but perfect, and there are girls out there whose true stories need to be told.
(By Jennifer Hall)

Connection between Teenage pregnancies and TV

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4568057n
"those who watch a high level of sexy television are twice as likely to be pregnant"

To all parents –step it up! The lack of awareness parents bring into the household will greatly effect young teens on how they think or why certain things should not be done (like being a single, broke, pregnant student at 16). If my parents had known half the things i watched during my teen years they would probably have ten heart attacks. Just sit your kids down – show them the other side of the coin of being in bed with someone you're almost certain to be forever with:  pregnancies, STDs, financial instabilities and how it can affect their mood (im always pretty sad when im broke).

Love is the most beautiful thing in this world, so don’t waste it at 16, to be able to provide the healthiest and safest environment for a child is to be at your most mature level of stability in all aspects of your life, and every parent knows that kind of maturity does not and will not happen at 16.

Most my blame goes out to the parents, and the children can sing

“I was given this world I didn’t make it.” – 2Pac.

(Nour Salmeen)

Week 1-3: Teen Pregnancy as a Social Problem, Data and Trends

The link to this post's article: "Life, interrupted:..."

I found this article interesting for a few reasons. First, the representation of the teen father, Nate, in this article is displayed differently than that of Jo, from 16 and Pregnant. The article opens with Nate discussing his new and future struggles that come along with being a young parent. Later he says he's ready take responsibility and will do whatever it takes to care for his child. In our assigned episode of 16 and Pregnant, Jo doesn't seem nearly as confident to handle his situation. He and Kailyn depend a lot more on his parents. Also in 16 and Pregnant, the teen mom is always the main character and her struggles are more highlighted than the father's.

Many times in teen pregnancies, mothers often choose to raise their baby rather than adoption because they want to give their baby opportunities and a life they never had. However, this article pointed out the possible social outcomes of a child born to teen parents. The baby is less likely to be as socially and academically successful and more likely to become a teen parent themselves. I can completely see why teen parents want to be the providers to their child, there are some harsh limitations that come with having a baby before graduating high school, living on your own as a responsible adult, etc. I am not saying that adoption is always the right choice, but rather that there are simply some things teen parents might not be able to overcome.

(Brittany Randolph)