Pregnant High School Students in Denver Ask for Maternity Leave

[mybabysmomma]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320766,00.html

Teen mothers-to-be attending a Denver high school are asking for at least four weeks maternity leave, saying they don't want to be penalized for absences while healing and bonding with their new babies, The Denver Post reports.

No Comment. :smt103

[dyates]

Well yeah. Not a surprise there....they didn't mind being "penalized" in order to get pregnant now did they. This will just keep going. Why not just use BIRTH CONTROL but oh no...that's unheard of. It takes wayyyyy too much effort to do that..besides..raising a baby is easier than remembering to take a pill daily or have a shot every 3 mths OR just keeping your legs closed. ;)

[fuzzis]

They don't need "maternity leave". They need to make use of their school's home-bound instruction program during the time that they are recovering from the birth of their child.

More than that, though, the original article in the Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7899096) raises a very good point, which is that approximately only 1/3 of teenage mothers finish high school. Which means that more than likely, they wind up utilizing services paid for by tax dollars. The question seemingly becomes one of whether we want to provide support in the interim or whether we want to provide support, long-term? If a school can make the transition for new mothers less stressful, why wouldn't they? Further, when placed within the context of No Child Left Behind and its mandate to reduce the drop-out rate, it would seem that most schools have no choice but to provide some sort of bridge program that takes into account the needs of new parents.

[LipsofanAngel]

I agree Fuzz... I don't think maternity leave is the answer, but immediate assistance that could help them finish school, would be better than them dropping out and living off gov't assistance from then on out.

[dyates]

I'd love to see a study done with the scenerio you've posted there Fuzzis...I think you're being a little unrealistic. Odds say no matter what kind of programs are offered the majority of these teens and their children will more than likely be supported with tax dollars, long term. That's just the way it works these days. Now surely, there are exceptions...I'm not disputing that, but if a teen finds herself in this prediciment and truely wants to succeed in life and become a productive person then she will do so reguardless of what struggles she has to go through. It's called drive. Some have it...some do not.

[aaron]

Yeah, basically, your going to be paying for this person on welfare, so why not practice that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure and help them graduate. I don't see a problem with letting them home school and come in on test days.

Or rework the welfare system so that if you can work, you have to work.

[mybabysmomma]

Well, with today's technology, there is no reason (in my opinion) that these girls should not be able to connect remotely (high speed internet) to their classes at the assigned times and participate. I'm sure there is a way that this could be managed so that each girl could log in, watch the class taught via streaming video, show up at an assigned location for tests on the proper days, etc. However, I feel that a month off from school will do nothing but hurt them in the long run.

[LipsofanAngel]

Well, with today's technology, there is no reason (in my opinion) that these girls should not be able to connect remotely (high speed internet) to their classes at the assigned times and participate. I'm sure there is a way that this could be managed so that each girl could log in, watch the class taught via streaming video, show up at an assigned location for tests on the proper days, etc. However, I feel that a month off from school will do nothing but hurt them in the long run.
yeah, I think having a way to keep them up to speed would be great. If given the time completely off, seems like it would be too easy for them to decide just not to go back at all... I was a very driven student, and I even dreaded getting back in to the swing of things after summer break.

[dyates]

The welfare system definately needs to be reworked. I have no idea how our country managed to screw it up the way it is today. When a person can sit on their ass, not work a day and get free medical care, free food, and have their utility bills paid because they just choose not to work..something is way WRONG.

[fuzzis]

Well, with today's technology, there is no reason (in my opinion) that these girls should not be able to connect remotely (high speed internet) to their classes at the assigned times and participate. I'm sure there is a way that this could be managed so that each girl could log in, watch the class taught via streaming video, show up at an assigned location for tests on the proper days, etc. However, I feel that a month off from school will do nothing but hurt them in the long run.

That's assuming that the students (and the schools, which is a BIG if) have that technology available to them.

[dyates]

Somehow I highly doubt they'd be using their time to watch classes via streaming video. Their time would most likely be spent doing whatever they want while grandma watches the baby.

[LipsofanAngel]

There would have to be some form of accountability if home instruction or classroom videos were used.

And would it be better to just assume that all of them will amount to nothing, and therefore not even try, or try to help them in every way possible and those that will use that as an opportunity to succeed- will, while others will not- their choice.

[mybabysmomma]

yeah, I think having a way to keep them up to speed would be great. If given the time completely off, seems like it would be too easy for them to decide just not to go back at all...
Exactly. If these girls are going to expect the schools to support them, they need to be willing to expend a little effort and do what is nescessary to get their lives together. If they are logging in for each class each day and doing the work, it will show in the long run via test scores. If they do not log in, it counts as an absence. If they try to cheat the system by logging in and going back to bed, it'll show in participation grades (ie. answering in class questions by IMs to the teachers, or by email) and final exams. After their given ammount of "at home" time expires, the passwords/usernames are no longer valid and they have to start showing up just like everyone else.

[mybabysmomma]

That's assuming that the students (and the schools, which is a BIG if) have that technology available to them.
If they don't have that particular technology, then the school can work out something else with them. I'm just using it as an option.

[dyates]

And would it be better to just assume that all of them will amount to nothing

if a teen finds herself in this prediciment and truely wants to succeed in life and become a productive person then she will do so reguardless of what struggles she has to go through. It's called drive. Some have it...some do not.<!-- / message --><!-- #### SHOW REPUTATION GIVEN IN POST START - BY LEVI THORNTON #### --><!-- #### SHOW REPUTATION GIVEN IN POST END - BY LEVI THORNTON #### --><!-- sig -->

[mybabysmomma]

There would have to be some form of accountability if home instruction or classroom videos were used.

And would it be better to just assume that all of them will amount to nothing, and therefore not even try, or try to help them in every way possible and those that will use that as an opportunity to succeed- will, while others will not- their choice.
Well, assuming they had the option of the video, they could rent/borrow/whatever a small desktop video camera from the school so that the teacher could check in at any time and see if the student is actually participating.

[LipsofanAngel]

there's also such a thing as giving them opportunity to thrive. Not everyone is priviliged with a babysitter and will not be able to finish school if someone else doesn't step in. There's nothing wrong with giving someone a helping hand if they are in turn willing to help themselves. Some people just need some help is all.... maybe I'm just a little tooo empathic in these cases though....

[mybabysmomma]

This is just one woman's humble opinion and you can take it for what its worth (not a whole heck of alot in the grand scheme of things), but if these girls are expecting the schools to accomodate them and help them out, they need to be willing to put forth some effort and do a little extra. Those that want to get ahead in this world will. Those that don't want to get ahead are going to quit regardless of the situation.

[Conveyor Belt]

If they had paid attention, they should be able to pass the GED without much prep.

Get the GED.

[dollfus46]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320766,00.html



No Comment. :smt103

I'm with you mybabysmomma. It would serve no purpose and only incite a riot if I said what I thought should be done.

[JimmyJam]

I had a situation several years ago; a female student with health issues missed almost 5 months of school. I post my class work and assignments on an internet site, and all students are expected to get the assignments for themselves. Anyways, this young lady kept up with her reading, and completed all of her assignments. Our home-bound teacher administered the tests, and the student passed my very difficult course with a B average. Now, she was a good student before hand, and very driven to succeed. Many of the girls who get pregnant may not be as education oriented.

But on the other hand, it comes off as a bit whiny. Kind of like "Change all the requirements for me and my special situation." Requiring the school district to pony up extra money for a girl with a self-inflicted situation is not fair to the other students at the school. <big sigh> I can't find an easy answer....:confused:

[Kitty]

If the daddies are in high school, what's to stop them from asking for family leave, to bond with their babies?

[dyates]

Oh it'll happen..someone out there will have a great reason why it would be beneficial and we'll be nice enough to bend backwards to make sure of it. Hell we should just say....

"You had a baby at 15? Oh how cool...we'll just give you a diploma that way it will be easier for you. Gosh, we wouldn't want you to have to struggle a bit and deal with the consequences of your actions. While we're at it...how about we give you a free ride ticket through life...free housing, free groceries, we'll even pay your utility bills...it's the least the tax payers can do for you."

[LipsofanAngel]

Oh it'll happen..someone out there will have a great reason why it would be beneficial and we'll be nice enough to bend backwards to make sure of it. Hell we should just say....

"You had a baby at 15? Oh how cool...we'll just give you a diploma that way it will be easier for you. Gosh, we wouldn't want you to have to struggle a bit and deal with the consequences of your actions. While we're at it...how about we give you a free ride ticket through life...free housing, free groceries, we'll even pay your utility bills...it's the least the tax payers can do for you."

Dyates, you know this is an exxageration. It's like me saying "heck, you might as well not allow the girl in the hospital. Let her sit at home and suffer through childbirth and not allow a doctor to provide any health care to mother or baby- ever. While we're at it, lets make sure she gets kicked out of her home and has to live with a newborn on the streets."

Ofcourse a young mother will need to recognize and accept the consequences of her actions (as does the FATHER). I'm also thankful that there are compassionate people who are willing to help these young ladies through what is going to be a very tough road ahead... churches, charities, counselors, social workers, GED tutors... Those that want and will accept help deserve it. I think it's heartless to say "sorry, you "f"d up- now deal with it." JimmyJam is right... there's not an easy cut and dry answer to this.

[dyates]

I absolutely agree those that actually DO deserve help should get it. Problem with that is there are a very slim few out there that would make the best of their situation and eventually become productive human beings. The reality is the majority are just not going to do that. I'm sorry..that's just the way it is.

There are very few adults these days that even know what it means to deal with consequences and kids even more have no idea about consequences of their actions. It's a lazy society. It's a society that will search high and low to find the easy way out.

I'd love for this to be a "perfect world" but it's not going to be. I'd love for people to not take advantage of situations and prey on the help of others but that's not the way it is. No there's not an easy solution to the problem but if we keep making things easier for everyone then what's going to stop people from taking advantage even more than they do now? (if that's even possible)

Yanno, some of you may not understand this but, if we could go back in time to days when people took care of themselves...they dealt with their situations and pulled through hard times then maybe, just maybe this world wouldn't be in such chaos as it is today.

[dyates]

Dyates, you know this is an exxageration


Is it now? I wonder when you turn 65 and you're ready to reap the benefits of your social security that's no longer there because we had to feed, house and cloth so many families because they were not raised to be responsible if you'll feel differently then. Just sayin....

[LipsofanAngel]

It was an exxageration because no one on here had implied that what you were saying was the appropriate solution. Just sayin... ;)

[LipsofanAngel]

anyways-

I say this a lot... but I think an even bigger question to think about is what leads to the situation to begin with (not sex, but social environment)... really sad to hear kids say that they've been taught by their parents to just get pregnant and suck money from someone else (the father, gov't, etc.)...

[nooskye]

I dunno ... just my opinion, but I'm with making the girl live up to the new responsibility ... if myself, and thousands of other moms ... note not moms to be ... if moms can handle their kids, those activities and education, the moms job, the dads issues AND go back to school herself ... some little wanna be grown up can do the same ... my mom asked me once what I would do if one of mine walked through the door pregnant ... ooo nnnoooo ... all I can say is she better be ready to lay in the bed she's made ... I'll help her no doubt, but she's gonna mount up and be the mom she very willingly enjoyed pretending to be ...

[dyates]

I say this a lot... but I think an even bigger question to think about is what leads to the situation to begin with

There are very few adults these days that even know what it means to deal with consequences and kids even more have no idea about consequences of their actions. It's a lazy society. It's a society that will search high and low to find the easy way out.

That's what

[LipsofanAngel]

That's what
or kids who haven't been taught that they do have a choice to better their lives and do something better than the life their own parents had....

[dyates]

If people would go back to living in those times..the way they used to do it...we wouldn't have the problems we have today...end of discussion really.

[nooskye]

If people would go back to living in those times..the way they used to do it...we wouldn't have the problems we have today...end of discussion really.


no, not really ... if anything it's just the very beginning of the discussion. we can't close our eyes and click our heels and say there's no place like home toto ... we have to figure out a way to deal with the issues AND the parents (or society really) that fosters the current mindset ...

[dyates]

I said end of discussion on my part...you all can discuss it and go round and round with it all you want....carry on :)

[HarleyBarbie]

The bottom line IMO is that becoming pregnant in your teens is not as taboo as it once was. As a society we are more accepting of it today. Gone are the days where young ladies are sent away to an unwed mother's home until after delivery. Back when, that was what parents did to keep the situation out of friends' and neighbors' watchful/judgmental eye. I also think that a maternity leave would be condoning premarital sex as well as unprotected sex. I really don't know what the answers are and agree that there is no cut and dry one as Lips stated. I just don't think babies should be having babies. I'm in my 30's and it's hard for me...I'd hate for my daughters to endure what I am now in the tender teen years. JMO

[Dixie Tree Slayer]

According to the powers that be everyone is entitled to a free and appropriate public education, or FAPE. What this means is we MUST educate every child no matter what. Typically the best setting for this is public education. But when the student's behavior becomes such a distraction and prevents themselves and others from recieving the education they use an alternative school where rules and setting is set up for the unruly student. When this fails to provide the FAPE the child is entitled to then the student is sent home and the HomeBound program takes effect. and the teacher now comes to the student's home to teach him... When that fails the stting is further restricted and the student is sent to a ficility similar to the one I used to work at. It is a school where the student is court ordered in to the program and the student stays there 24/7. the student is taught the eight basic 8 social skills as well as math spelling etc... When that fails they end up in oakleigh or a lockdown facility.... The money already spent on these students is astronomical... The school district the student lives in has to pay for the students education even at oakleigh and other places...
Knowing all this leaves me with the sad conclusion that these students are guaranteed their FAPE, or Free Appropriate Public Education... Whether they have disabilities or pregnancies. Behavioral problems or twins...

The only way I can see them losing their FAPE is if they are somehow to become emancipated adults automatically through becoming a mother since a mother has to have the authority to provide for their child's health and welfare and must make decisions typically not available to minors...

There is no smiley at the end to show this is a joke so I am not kidding!!!

[nooskye]

back to society playing a major role in this way of thinking ...

http://www6.comcast.net/entertainment/articles/eonline/2008/01/07/82e3542c-74c9-42b2-8541-816bf38f9f27/

[LipsofanAngel]

Thanks for bringing up that point Nooskye- just blaming people for being lazy isn't the end all be all of the situation. There's definitely a social and cultural mindset that has influenced teen behavior. Even social class has something to do with it... I also think it's interesting that often times, the folks who argue for abstinence only education, or no sex ed at all, are the ones who are most judgmental towards the teens who do end up pregnant. A little ironic in my opinion....

and as a side note, this subject is one I have though a lot about. Especially since this thread. Last night I came up with a possible career endeavor related to this... I need to work some more as a counselor and complete my LPC requirements before thinking further about it.... I will be sure to keep y'all updated in years to come :)