Above is a picture taken during our Baby Reality programme. We have just completed the first pilot project which was a great success.
The aim of the programme is to help young women understand some of the realities of being a parent. It raises awareness and knowledge around personal development, and pregnancy and look at all the effects including the physical, emotional and financial consequences.
The young women have to look after a baby simulator doll over the weekend. These dolls mimic the unpredictable and often intrusive behaviour of a baby. They each have a computer chip inside which reports on how it has been cared for. This is printed off after the weekend and discussed with the young women.
The baby will cry at random, unpredictable times 24 hours a day and requires the young women to care for it by feeding, winding, nappy changing and rocking. The baby will also cry if held in a position it does not like or if the head is not supported correctly
The programme also includes a trip to town on the bus (With pushchair and baby in tow)
|
Here's what some of the young women thought before the baby reality programme
- I wanted a child now so badly
- I thought I could cope with the responsibilities and didn't think it was that big
- I know their expensive, but not that much
and here's what they had to say after the programme
- I still want a baby but not till I'm 25
- I have to have a partner first
- I feel too selfish to have kids now
- I now know how hard it is
When asked if they would recommend the programme to others they all agreed
YES YES YES ........because it really show young women who want kids young what its really like and lets them know its not as easy as it seems.
|
