Scarleteen

Found a great piece about things we say that are hurtful to teens who decided to parent.

100 Things You Should Never Say...

If you are a teen parent or know anyone who has decided to parent what would you add to this list? Which items stand out to you and why?

I got pregnant my sophomore year of college. My undergrad definitely didn't have a culture that was supportive of young parents. During my pregnancy the responses from faculty and support staff was somewhat discouraging even though I think they meant well. EVERYONE I confided in said I should take a break from school. I had no intentions to especially since my son was due during a summer break. I think it would have been more helpful for them to see what I wanted to do and help me come up with a plan for completing my goal.

During my intro to women's studies class we were reading the Price of Motherhood (good book). The professor would go on and on about how having children was a bad decision and to put it off as long as possible if you had them at all. She didn't know I was pregnant but that definitely didn't make me feel great. We had to write about the book in which I decided to reveal that I was pregnant. I focused on identifying the positive outcomes for my situation and how I could still be successful in the workforce. She apologized for her rants after reading my paper which I appreciated.

That's so freaking cool of you, Ashleah. I'll bet your paper was amazing, the professor must have been mortified. :/ Good for you for being so tolerant and forgiving!

Thanks Emma