I agree that it is sad that children grow up too fast. Parenthood is no joke.
I also agree that peer examples are a great tool. On an episode of Jerry Springer, they actually did a socially conscious show about teenage parenting. The guests on the show indicated that at 13, 14, 15 years old that they were trying so hard to get pregnant. After they were all introduced and their family members expressed their frustration, a group of teenage mothers (one as young as 12 years old
) came on to tell them that teenage motherhood is not all it is cracked up to be and to not make the same mistakes. Well, needless to say that the words went in one ear and out the other. The kicker was that the guests who were determined to get pregnant had to take care of the teeenaged mothers' babies for ONE night. They all changed their minds in the morning because they didn't have a clue about motherhood.
Of course, this situation could not possibly address the long-term issues of teenaged parenthood such as finishing school, daycare and social adjustment but it is a start. Conskeeted, maybe something along this line may work in your school?
I agree with exquizit that once the baby is made that the teenage parents need love and support. A single mistake should not lead to ruining someone's life. Even sadder are the teenage babymommas and babydaddies that CONTINUE to repeat the mistake. There are too many that have multiple children before they are out of their teens.
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