What was your initial reaction when you found out you were going to be a father?
-  I was so scared.  I didn’t know how I was going to tell my parents and my whole family.  They always had these standards for me and I knew I was going to let them down.

What did you do in order to prepare yourself for parenthood?
-  Well, my girlfriend and I took some classes at a local health center because neither of knew what we were going to do once the baby was born.  I’ve been around babies and all but not for longer than a few hours.  I also talked with my parents a lot.  They were pretty understanding about everything and they helped us out a lot.  My girlfriend had taken a class in high school about child development, so she knew some things about becoming a parent.  So, one night I remember, we just sat and talked about everything she knew.

In your opinion, do you think there should be a class in high school for teens to take that helps them transition into parenthood more easily? 
-  I think it would be a good idea.  There weren’t too many kids in my high school who became parents at a young age like myself but I think that it would be good to have something just in case or at least for future reference. 

Do you feel that there were a lot of resources for you to turn to being a teenage father?
-  Honestly, I think teenage fathers are really overlooked.  There is more concern for the girl then for the guy.  I think there should be more programs for guys who are going to become fathers just like there are for girls.  Maybe the reason why there aren’t as many programs is because a lot of the time the fathers don’t stick around or aren’t willing to take the time to learn.  But then there are the guys who do…so I think there should be something out there for them to turn to.  My family really helped me out a lot.  I think that’s what got me through my toughest times.

Overall, how do you think your own personal transition into parenthood went?
-  I think I had to grow up really fast after I found out my girlfriend was pregnant.  I did miss out on a lot my senior year in high school because I had to get a job to support my daughter.  A lot of the things that I learned from this experience are things that I probably wouldn’t have learned until much later in my life.  There is nothing that I could have done to change things.  We didn’t even think about any other alternatives.  Even though that was probably the hardest thing I have ever been though in my life, I don’t regret anything.  I love my daughter more than anything.
 

Interview 2
I interviewed my sister who became a parent at the age of 23.

What experiences in your life helped you to learn how to be a parent?
-Well, babysitting helped. I was also a Girl Scout for twelve years, and a Brownie troop leader, so I learned about about children and discipline.  Just being around little kids taught me a lot.  Being the older sister, I also acted as the mother to my younger sisters. 

Were you scared to become a parent?
-Definitely. It's a completely overwhelming responsibility.  You bring this baby home and you can't return her.

What was the biggest challenge in becoming a parent?
-My biggest adjustment was the huge time commitment that a baby needs.  A baby needs you for everything, and you must be selfless in order to fulfill those needs. I wasn't used to that at all.

Do you admire anyone's parenting skills? Do you ever find yourself using those skills?
-I learned a lot of parenting skills from my own parents.  They taught me how to handle tantrums, set routines, and do things in a certain way.  My parents were great role models.

What was your biggest joy in becoming a parent?
-I love to watch my daughter grow and learn new things.  I like to look at the world through her perspective.

Interview 3
Despite what society’s view of the single parent has come to be, there are single parents who do provide a positive, nurturing, loving home for their children.  Beth is a single mom with a one year old daughter who is going against the odds. When society has told her that her little girl will be at a disadvantage socially, personally, and educationally, she has proven them wrong.  She feels that money isn't the key to everything and everywhere you look there is the opportunity to teach your child.  There is more to learning than buying the most expensive toys.  Beth has done an incredible job raising her child.  She has sacrificed many things to benefit her daughter. She has proven to many that she is one of the few.

Interview 4
This interview involves a young couple that are both now 27.  The names in this interview have been changed but their story remains true.  The beginning of this story occurred in 1991 when the couple were seniors in high school.  Together the couple has a 10 year, severely disabled child who lives with the mother and her parents.  Jake has no contact with the child due to geographical location and events that have occurred in the past involving Molly’s family.  Jake and Molly occasionally speak on the phone regarding current life events and a financial obligation of $400 a month that Jake sends to Molly for Susan’s care.  Jake has not seen Susan, Molly, or her family in over 7 years and has no future plans of re-entering their life.  Believe it or not, this scenario works out the best for all parties involved, except maybe Susan’s.  Jake has his own life, career, and personal goals ahead of him as well as Molly.  Both individuals are happy with their arrangement and plan to continue separate lives.

What was your first reaction when you found out about the pregnancy?
Molly:  I was scared to death; I knew my parents would make me keep it.  I was also afraid to tell Jake because we were getting ready to end our relationship and he was off to college.
Jake:  I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t want to believe it.  I thought to myself – I’m too young to get married and become a father.

What was the reaction of both your parents?
Molly:  I come from a strict Catholic family and my parents forbade me to get an abortion.  I was forced to have the baby.  My parents were there for me the whole way and still are today. 
Jake:  My parents told me I needed to deal with this and take responsibility for my actions.  I knew we were stupid and weren’t thinking – I can’t believe her parents made her have the baby.  I wanted her to have an abortion, especially since we were breaking up.

What happened after Susan was born?
Molly:  Jake was away in college throughout the pregnancy – we were broken up.  My parents were there for me and that was whom I really needed.  I still live with my parents and am going to college.  I am getting married in a few months and Susan, Ben, and I will soon buy a house.
Jake:  I was there during the birth of Susan and would visit her often throughout the years.  I always felt Molly’s parents solely blamed me and it was very uncomfortable whenever I went to their house.  Molly and I have remained friends throughout the years, but I have no future plans of re-entering their lives.

Is it difficult to care for Susan because she is disabled?
Molly:  I had no idea how to care for a child before I had Susan.  I feel like it’s my fault she’s severely disabled – I starved myself during the pregnancy to try to miscarriage the baby.  Living with my parents has allowed me to finish my education by helping with caring for Susan.  I understand Jake’s position and don’t blame him for anything.  Doctors have always told us that Susan won’t live past 6 years old.  How can you spend time and get to know a child who doesn’t respond to you or outwardly recognizes you?  This situation works best for everyone.
Jake:  Whenever I would see Susan – she was always sleeping or starring into space.  It was so hard to see her and know she was half me.  I felt like she didn’t know I existed.  I do know she has feelings and even recognized me when I was around.  I’m thankful she has plenty of people who love and watch after her.  I have no regrets regarding my involvement with Susan and Molly.  From the beginning of Molly’s pregnancy her parents made it clear that I was not needed.  I tried to be a part of their life for a while and then had to move on with my own.