There are some school programs that I think were effective in teaching young people to think very carefully about early pregnancy. I remember seeing a program on a school that made high school students carry around a bag of flour, which they could not leave alone (they had to find a sitter for it if they wanted to go out). I believe they had to diaper it regularly and feed it, and I think there was a component of the class that taught the children how expensive a baby would be. I believe it was part of a health class. I saw this a long time ago, but it seemed like a very good idea to me. Just telling young adults (who are prone to fantasy) that babies are limiting doesn't work. It seems to me they need to experience some of the limiting and frustrating effects of being around young children. I never understood the strain I would be under caring for a young child twenty four seven, and I thought about being a parent a lot. I realize that if I substantially underestimated the strain, children with poor parenting, and less education, are going to have even less idea of what they are getting into.
If there ever was a national interest I think it is making sure that children in our society grow up cared for, and loved by a functional parent or parents. It is, I think, an element of national defense to make sure our children do not grow up abused, or neglected, as those children often grow up to turn on society, instead of becoming part of it. |
