Youngest labor patient?

Energizer Bunny · Apr 14, 2004

Do you know I don't even remember the section on sex ed in school? It was that short and basically non-existent. My mother never taught me anything either...I got it all from friends.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 14, 2004

check it out steph.....most districts DO make room for homeschoolers in their sports programs. ours do by law. California may be different, I don't know . What of sports OUTSIDE SCHOOL???? My son plays sports with our base youth center and YMCA..there are teams and sport programs OUTSIDE school.

Bottom Line for me: There is NO way I am sending my kids to PS to be thrown to the wolves, as you so aptly put it. WHen I hear statistics like 25% of all 6th graders, YES THAT IS RIGHT, SIXTH graders have given or received oral sex, I know there is a big problem out there. I choose to keep my kids away from a nonsupportive and nonproductive learning environment, sports notwithtsanding.

So many programs like this are being cut out anyhow in today's schools and their financially-strapped programs. Heck, now, they cut band, many PE programs, art programs, sports only stay because esp. in high school, they are a means of income and attention for the school. It's sad. You are right. Education has gone awry in so many ways. But kids MUST have as part of their curriculum such sexuality education; their very health and lives depend on it. It's the way their world is today, whether we like it or not. I just choose the venue and what I tell my kids, not the schools. I have lots of good books for them to read and we discuss whatever comes up. My son knows he can ask anything and I will never cringe or turn the other way. No subject is taboo for him and me.

It's not easy, Steph, what can you do? Only what you KNOW is best for your kids. That is the best anyone can do.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 14, 2004

Deb, we have struggled with the homeschooling idea as well and meet such resistance with our families, BUT, I think that my husband is ready to tackle it once I get out of school and am working full time. That means that only my oldest will go to school and hopefully only for two to three years. What kind of struggles do you face and what are your greatest joys in doing it?

missmercy · Apr 14, 2004

Deb, we have struggled with the homeschooling idea as well and meet such resistance with our families, BUT, I think that my husband is ready to tackle it once I get out of school and am working full time. That means that only my oldest will go to school and hopefully only for two to three years. What kind of struggles do you face and what are your greatest joys in doing it?

I homeschooled our kids for years -- only a recent change in jobs and moving and other factors has changed that. I loved being able to see them grasp a concept, to mastor a skill. I loved being with them when they discovered new ideas and being able to coach them with all sorts of things! It was a lot of work, staying organized, keeping them focused on the material that they weren't quite as thrilled about ( penmanship), being creative about finding ways to get them invlved in sports/band etc. ( Our school system had to allow them into band -- were very tricky about sports -- said they were not a "school function" -- we ended up going the YMCA and AYSO route for sports and they loved it! The most frustrating aspect of homeschooling for me was seeing so many people who would "SAY" that they were homeschooling and put very little into the process. I knew 2 gals who chose to do so because it was trendy. VERY POOR MOTIVATION!! They were lax with assignments, didn't try to stretch their children and didn't tailor their teaching to fit the child. They made a case for folks who say that homeschooling is not a good idea. However, I know many dedicated parents who prove that homeschooling is often THE BEST OPTION for their children!! I wouldn't say it is right for everyone, nor would I think less of someone for choosing not to homeschool. We felt very strongly that what time we had with our children was precious, that we should do our best to make every moment count -- homeschooling wasn't just school -- it was our lifestyle... teachable moments, character lessons.... we have found a wonderful private school here and yet we continue to be VERY involved in the education of the kids .

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 14, 2004

Well hon, let me tell you, resistance is what you can expect from many who are either ignorant to what homeschooling is in the 21st century, or those who have a prejudice against it for other reasons. I got a long, ugly letter, worded in the strongest terms, from my mother, telling me I would make backwoods weirdoes out of my kids. Really, they don't get it. They would rather see me put my kids in a dangerous and nonproductive social environment than have them interact with people off ALL age groups with similiar value systems to ours? Hmmmph..ok. Well that is THEIR problem.

Sometimes, you have to take a stand for what you know is right and what you are willing to do for your kids. And, in so doing, you may get a lot of static from family, friends and well-meaning neighbors. Not to fear, the "proof will be in the puddin", as they say, and your kids' personalities, natural abilities, talents and pursuits will soon become evident as they take off in directions they never dreamed possible in school. Some of the most articulate and well-adjusted kids I ever met were homeschooled, and that was what got me thinking of doing it. We pulled my son out of the system in 6th grade, realizing we may have well been saving him from drugs, gangs, early sex and poor learning, I have not looked back yet. No it is NOT easy, but it's worth the work to me.

DO NOT let what others think or say daunt you. Get involved with a local homeschool group/association and know your state laws and pursue it, if it's right for you. Here is an informative website to get you started:

http://www.hslda.org/

Lots of information to be found there---testimonies from homeschooling families, links to your home state's home school organizations and groups, as well as each state's individual laws governing compulsory education. I wish you luck, whatever you decide to do. Don't be afraid to swim against the tide; nothing worth having (including a quality education and discipline for your kids) is EVER won easily! Take care.

allnurses Guide · Apr 14, 2004

California has rules against private school or home schooled kids participating in sports a public schools. We tried that avenue when the kids went to private school.

I did homeschool my kids when they were each in the 1st grade. Actually when you think about it what we all do before we send them off to school is homeschool. Reading to them, teaching them to write their names, counting, colors, etc. I loved teaching my kids to read. I went through all the criticism when I homeschooled . . my kids would be social outcasts, etc. Bunch of hooey.

We are in a rural setting so in order to send my daughter to a good private high school we would have to drive over 70 miles one way. Like I did for nursing school.

Really gonna have to mull this one over.

steph

momx2 · Apr 14, 2004

Oh my goodness!!
12 years old??!! You know what makes me sad? (and this may not be RIGHT for me to feel this way...but..) These 10, 11, 12, 13 year old girls are having these nice big healthy babies, and here my husband and i are, both of us 23 been married for 3 years and we were "blessed" with a daughter who has Cerbral palsy along with MANY other complications and diagnoses. I do know that we were given her by God for a reason, but it still gets me angry to think about!! :angryfire
Katie

I AM SO SORRY. THAT IS SO SAD. BUT YOU KNOW YOU ARE BLESSED. YOU ARE SO STRONG. I AM ALSO 23 AND HAVE 2 KIDS, BEEN MARRIED 4 YEARS, AND MY KIDS ARE HEALTHY. I DONT KNOW HOW YOU DO IT. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 14, 2004

Well hon, let me tell you, resistance is what you can expect from many who are either ignorant to what homeschooling is in the 21st century, or those who have a prejudice against it for other reasons. I got a long, ugly letter, worded in the strongest terms, from my mother, telling me I would make backwoods weirdoes out of my kids. Really, they don't get it. They would rather see me put my kids in a dangerous and nonproductive social environment than have them interact with people off ALL age groups with similiar value systems to ours? Hmmmph..ok. Well that is THEIR problem.
Sometimes, you have to take a stand for what you know is right and what you are willing to do for your kids. And, in so doing, you may get a lot of static from family, friends and well-meaning neighbors. Not to fear, the "proof will be in the puddin", as they say, and your kids' personalities, natural abilities, talents and pursuits will soon become evident as they take off in directions they never dreamed possible in school. Some of the most articulate and well-adjusted kids I ever met were homeschooled, and that was what got me thinking of doing it. We pulled my son out of the system in 6th grade, realizing we may have well been saving him from drugs, gangs, early sex and poor learning, I have not looked back yet. No it is NOT easy, but it's worth the work to me.
DO NOT let what others think or say daunt you. Get involved with a local homeschool group/association and know your state laws and pursue it, if it's right for you. Here is an informative website to get you started:
http://www.hslda.org/
Lots of information to be found there---testimonies from homeschooling families, links to your home state's home school organizations and groups, as well as each state's individual laws governing compulsory education. I wish you luck, whatever you decide to do. Don't be afraid to swim against the tide; nothing worth having (including a quality education and discipline for your kids) is EVER won easily! Take care.

Thanks Deb. Once we talk about it and make a final decision and I finish school, I am sure we'll be looking your way for advice and help. I appreciate you taking the time to answer!

BabyRN2Be · Apr 16, 2004

I know this has nothing to do with the original thread title, but this is the avenue I would take if I had kids. I know this is controversial, but around here the private schools are the dumping grounds for those who have been kicked out of public schools. The parents think that if they are surrounded by "good kids", it will influence their children. Actually, it works the other way around from what I've seen.

As far as sports goes, the homeschooled kids have their own league around here. It had to be an option because the public schools won't let you play on theirs and there were so many homeschooled kids here that they have more than enough for a decent sized league! They even have their own band! :)

That would be a great option for me.

Well hon, let me tell you, resistance is what you can expect from many who are either ignorant to what homeschooling is in the 21st century, or those who have a prejudice against it for other reasons. I got a long, ugly letter, worded in the strongest terms, from my mother, telling me I would make backwoods weirdoes out of my kids. Really, they don't get it. They would rather see me put my kids in a dangerous and nonproductive social environment than have them interact with people off ALL age groups with similiar value systems to ours? Hmmmph..ok. Well that is THEIR problem.
Sometimes, you have to take a stand for what you know is right and what you are willing to do for your kids. And, in so doing, you may get a lot of static from family, friends and well-meaning neighbors. Not to fear, the "proof will be in the puddin", as they say, and your kids' personalities, natural abilities, talents and pursuits will soon become evident as they take off in directions they never dreamed possible in school. Some of the most articulate and well-adjusted kids I ever met were homeschooled, and that was what got me thinking of doing it. We pulled my son out of the system in 6th grade, realizing we may have well been saving him from drugs, gangs, early sex and poor learning, I have not looked back yet. No it is NOT easy, but it's worth the work to me.
DO NOT let what others think or say daunt you. Get involved with a local homeschool group/association and know your state laws and pursue it, if it's right for you. Here is an informative website to get you started:
http://www.hslda.org/
Lots of information to be found there---testimonies from homeschooling families, links to your home state's home school organizations and groups, as well as each state's individual laws governing compulsory education. I wish you luck, whatever you decide to do. Don't be afraid to swim against the tide; nothing worth having (including a quality education and discipline for your kids) is EVER won easily! Take care.

Jamesdotter · Apr 16, 2004

Message deleted

niki1983 · Apr 21, 2004

I have been reading all of the replys about this topic, Youngest labor patient. My name is Niki and I am a 21 year old mother of 4. I had my first child at 15. While I do agree that teenagers in general may lack the understanding and maturity needed to be a mother, I also know of adults that also lack those same skills. I understand that teenagers having babies may not always be positive, but it isn't always a sad occasion. My husband and I have been together 6 years and as I said have four children. We have taken care of our children on our own from day one and continue to do so. I beleive it isn't the age that makes any situation sad, but the maturity level of the individual. I think that as nurses we can't be judgemental. I had nurses treat me pretty bad during my first labor. They assumed that because of my age I wouldn't know what my own body was going through. I had a nurse ask me what made me think my water broke, they also didn't believe me when I said I had to push, mean while my baby was crowning. I am a strong beleiver that a person at any age knows what they are feeling and no other individual has a right to tell them otherwise or dout them. You learn that in nursing 101;pain is subjective, only the patient can say if it exists. In conclusion, where I do uderstand some of your beliefs about teens maybe not being ready to have children, I don't always agree. You have to look at the individual and keep an open mind.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 21, 2004

I have been reading all of the replys about this topic, Youngest labor patient. My name is Niki and I am a 21 year old mother of 4. I had my first child at 15. While I do agree that teenagers in general may lack the understanding and maturity needed to be a mother, I also know of adults that also lack those same skills. I understand that teenagers having babies may not always be positive, but it isn't always a sad occasion. My husband and I have been together 6 years and as I said have four children. We have taken care of our children on our own from day one and continue to do so. I beleive it isn't the age that makes any situation sad, but the maturity level of the individual. I think that as nurses we can't be judgemental. I had nurses treat me pretty bad during my first labor. They assumed that because of my age I wouldn't know what my own body was going through. I had a nurse ask me what made me think my water broke, they also didn't believe me when I said I had to push, mean while my baby was crowning. I am a strong beleiver that a person at any age knows what they are feeling and no other individual has a right to tell them otherwise or dout them. You learn that in nursing 101;pain is subjective, only the patient can say if it exists. In conclusion, where I do uderstand some of your beliefs about teens maybe not being ready to have children, I don't always agree. You have to look at the individual and keep an open mind.

Heck, some nurses treated me that way and I was 25-30 when I had my kids. I agree with you about the maturity level, but I still believe that a teens body is not ready to bear children.