Parenthood is a very tough, long-term commitment. That’s the take-home message of this information-packed video and guide, as viewers follow a diverse group of young parents, and a pregnant teen, through their daily tasks. The video is broken down into four sections: emotional preparation, physical preparation, financial preparation and social preparation. Program emphasizes key teaching points including: parenthood requires maturity; a stable home environment; a reprioritizing of your life, time and money. The cost of a child, from food to diapers, medical care, child care, education and beyond, is very expensive and can strain budgets. Teens will learn that being a parent is a demanding job that needs careful consideration before it happens.
Includes:
video, plus teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Reviews
The four sections of this program—"Emotional Preparation," "Physical Preparation," "Financial Preparation," and "Social Preparation"—highlight the life-changing aspects of parenthood. Through interviews with actual young single (female and male) and married parents and visits to their homes, viewers learn about the importance of preparing emotionally and financially to provide a stable and loving home before they consider becoming parents. They are prompted to consider how a child would fit into their career goals and what parenting roles they see themselves assuming. Those interviewed honestly discuss their feelings about being parents and the demands of parenthood. Highly recommended for high school family living and health classes.
- Margaret B. Miller. University of South Dakota, Vermillion
School Library Journal
Recommended Although intended for teenagers, this film should be viewed by anyone who is considering becoming a parent and starting a family. The title says it all. To become a parent one must be prepared emotionally, physically, financially and socially. The keys to being a good parent are presented.
This program gives a broad overview of the role of a responsible parent. Young adults discuss their experience trying to raise a family and provide a stable and secure home environment for their child. After viewing this film, prospective parents should ask themselves, “Are You Prepared?” and answer it with honesty.
I strongly recommend this film be viewed in sex education classes and counseling sessions. Subsequent to viewing this film, it is suggested that viewers then be shown, Avoiding the Teen Pregnancy Trap, a film distributed by Human Relations Media.
- Katherine Parsons, Information Literacy Outreach Librarian, Bronx Community College
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)