About Us
County Impact Statements - Howard County
Baby Think It Over Teaches Teens Responsibility
Being a teen in today's world is a challenge. The added responsibilities of
caring for an infant can ruin a teen's life. Future plans and goals have to be
changed.
The Baby Think It Over Program lets junior high students experience being a
parent through the use of infant simulators. The simulators cry at random times
throughout the day and night. The teen must meet the needs of the "baby" through
care sessions which can last up to thirty minutes at a time.
Students also learn about the financial responsibilities of having a baby.
Basic care is learned through bathing, diapering and feeding the baby. They also
learn about sudden infant death syndrome and how to prevent it; plus, car safety
procedures.
Students are checked on neglect, rough handling and if the baby's needs are
being met. Some of the simulators require diaper changing and feeding. The
simulators are sent home with the student for a minimum of three days.
"I didn't know this baby would keep me awake at night. It woke me up three
times during the night. I know I'm not ready for this." - Nashville Jr. High
Student
Students in Ms. Elliott's ninth grade class learn parenting
responsibilities.
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Impacts
- 360 junior high students experienced being a parent over the weekend
through the Baby Think It Over Program.
- The Baby Think It Over Program teaches teens decision making skills that
impact their lives now and in the future.
- Teen pregnancy continues to be a problem statewide and in Howard County.
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