Monday, June 15, 2009

Should be Required for All

My legs are swollen and I am feeling exhausted. So, I grabbed a Klondike bar, a blanket, my laptop and my remote. I tuned into a new show on MTV that is getting a lot of buzz. It's called 16 & Pregnant. Have you seen it yet?


When I first heard about it I thought it would be light hearted and might encourage teenagers to want to be parents. I thought oh great, that's just what we need in the United States. But, I started to see some ads and realized that it is a different kind of reality program. It. Is. Real. So real, that even though I am a mom of two, I am starting to freak out seeing how much work a newborn really is for the young mom. I have been there but this show brings it all back.


This weekend, my family was laughing about Lamaze and what a joke the child birth and preparation classes are. They should skip the breathing instructions and just ask who is planning on getting an epidural. That would save a lot of time. They could really skip the BS and focus on what you really need to know.


They should say:

You will get no sleep. You will learn to function on such a small amount of sleep that you'll be amazed. You will find out why sleep deprivation is a form of torture. You will soon not be able to eat at restaurants for a few years. Go out now and eat while you can take your time. Go to movies that are not rated G. Go to a mall or a bookstore and take your time. Browse. You will soon wonder where you spent your time.


They should also add:

You will learn how tough you are. You will amaze yourself. You will learn how to love unconditionally. You thought you could multitask before you had kids. You are now the MASTER of multitasking. You will be a great planner. You will soon run a tight ship. You will learn to laugh and enjoy your children. They will teach you. You will enjoy holidays more and experience your own childhood again. It will be the toughest job you have ever had but you will love it.


MTV's 16 & Pregnant should be required viewing for all new parents whether they are 16 or not. It is real. I once heard Will Smith say in an interview that once you have a baby you have to realize that you can't go back to your old life. Once you understand that, you can move on and enjoy being a parent. This program may help people better choices and prevent pregnancy. It may also help educate people so that they realize that parenting is hard work and continuous. And on top of that, 16 & Pregnant it is pretty entertaining. Set your DVR's and catch at least one episode for yourself.

8 comments:

OHmommy said...

What they don't tell you about the 3rd child is that you are way too tired to properly care for them and they will become trouble.

As in. They wont sleep a full night until they are 3. Or 4.

Kidding. Only slightly. PS. I have a pile of things here for you.

Jessica said...

Wow! I must say that's completely unexpected. My 14 year old sister was watching The Secret Life of the American Teenager...I think that's it. On Lifetime. Anyway, I don't care what anyone says, but even as someone who is NOT a parent, I don't think they make it look near as difficult for a 16 year old.

Flea said...

I don't have cable anymore, but I might look into episodes for my 16 year old daughter.

Trooper Thorn said...

No thanks. I just want to forget those days and endless nights.

Teenage children are so much more enjoyable (just don't tell them that).

Anonymous said...

Amen to "it will be the toughest job you'll ever have ... and you'll love it"

Well said (don't freak out TOO much about the newborn stage ... you'll forget it all soon enough ... right?)

Miss E said...

You just listed every reason why I don't have kids yet although I'm very much a married adult (and feeling the pressure from family and friends). I definitely want them - someday - when I'm ready for my life to change in ways that I won't be able to imagine.

Genny said...

I haven't seen the show, but I mentored teen moms for several years a while ago. Parenting can be hard, for sure. But I love you you talked about how it will also teach you what you are made of. :)

Hope you are well. It's good to be back,
Genny

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I just saw a commercial for it. I might have to check it out.


It seemed pretty raw.

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