Responsible Parenting

Whoever thought up the new reality show "The Baby Borrowers" was certainly right on track. Finally, a show that targets real life issues, not some stupid game show. With the latest rage of teenage pregnancy spiraling out of control, this is definitely something worth watching, even better, something worth considering for everybody. Too many teenagers think they are ready to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. Well, think again.

Having and raising kids is hard enough for adults, let alone a child. Even for two-parent households it can be difficult, not to mention nearly overwhelming for single parents. Teenagers simply do not have a clue. They think they know it all. They think they can do it all. Wanting a child when you're nothing more than a child yourself is not only ignorant but irresponsible. That's why "The Baby Borrowers" is so great. It allows teenagers to get a taste of reality. There is so much more to parenting than playing dress up.

Parenting means getting up at all hours of the night and still going to work the next day. Parenting may include feeding, changing, bathing, and dressing the little ones, but it also means providing for them too-putting a roof over their heads, keeping food on the table, clothes on their back, and paying for all the essential things that go along with daily living. There will be birthdays and holidays to think about. Children must eventually go to school, which isn't cheap. And what about college tuition? Don't overlook cooking, cleaning, laundry and homework. Oh yeah, forget about going out and having fun. As they grow, there will be other issues-grades, attitudes, peer pressure, alcohol/drugs, sex, and more. Parenting is a mix of everything life can possibly throw at you. Think about that.

It would be nice if all states made it mandatory for teenage couples to go through a 'test-run' of parenting, especially those considering an early marriage or taking on the role of parenting alone. We have five kids, which has been overwhelmingly stressful on our relationship-and we're in our thirties. Parents need to step up and become the responsible caregivers they were meant to be. Kids are kids after all. Let's spend less time trying to be their friends and more time trying to be parents. If we, as responsible adults, do not show our children how to take the right paths in life, how can we expect them to show their own?