Advice and Suggestions needed. Can you help me please?

[BrightSparkles]

Ok before I get started - I have permission from Astrolady to post these questions

I work in welfare and am looking to set up a young mums program that aims to allow young parents who didn't finish school due to pregnancy and parenting responsibilities the opportunity to gain a qualification as well as make new support networks with others in a similar situation. Included in the program we are thinking about including things like workshops around health (physical and mental), bonding with baby etc.

So as younger parents (I guess I could be included in here - I had DD1 at 23 ) - what are some areas you think would be good to include in this type of program? Are there areas you think I should avoid in putting this program together?

TIA for you help

[BrightSparkles]

[Kazmar]

Great idea!!! Honestly Im not sure what exactly you should cover.....

Just showing them that they can become something, even the best mum possible. And being young doesn't change a thing

Im happy to answer questions etc I was pg with Annabelle at 18, had her at 19, pg with Lucy at 21 had her at 22

[BrightSparkles]

Thanks babe... Anyone else?

[~Lashes~]

could that include me? i left just befor finnishing year 11, the month my class was sitting there exams, i was having ds1? would love to be able to finish school, but dont think i could juggle all the kids and studies. i didnt leave due to having him or being pregnate, but i sure have kicked myself for it since!

im wanting to finnish year 12, or at the least the equivlent and start some type of course to help gain employment.

[beansbeans!]

Personally I would think personal finances, career advice/support, relationships after baby, etc.

I agree with dedicated_mummy in that age doesnt make a difference. And in saying that I do think that career advice would be very handy for young parents, just that help in finding what they want to do, how they can do it, what ways they can study, etc.

[BrightSparkles]

Thanks girls on my ph so hard to reply will do so when I have a comp tonight xx

[*Sparklez*]

ooooooooo how exciting lol GL hun!!

[*Sparklez*]

omg family!! that was me too!! and their excuse, oh i knew you wouldnt be able to come anyway... says who!!
i lost so many friends when ds was born and even more when ds2 waas born.. felt so crappy... but now they are all having families they say they understand...

[BrightSparkles]

Another thing I thought of was a 'Buddy' system, where parents can be attached to another parent/s with experience possibly (but not necessary). This might encourage more personal friendships to develop and realistic support fostering more positive parenting and self esteem. Oh this is just so exciting Sunshine!!

Thanks Sunny - is this an area that many people think would be good?

[*Sparklez*]

i think i did in a way, i wanted to finish school and go to uni i had so many plans and was the one who never wanted children, but now i have 4 lol..
i didnt resent them i just was disappointed that i had them so early being 16 i never got to do what my friends where i never got to go to my school formals, or out with my friends and be free itms?
i wa=ouldnt change anything but i do wish i had of been alot more smarter in my choices and desicions..

[~*familyof3*~]

this is going to sound bad but i resented my friends more. As they would play things with me and at the last min uninvite me. eg we planned to go late night shopping nothing spesh but i was so looking forward to it and at the last min they invited someone else and i got left behind so i resented them for it.

[*Sparklez*]

i think this is great also...

i was 16 when i had ds1 and 17 when i had ds2 and i always kicked myself for not having that little peice of paper to say i made something of my education..
im not sure what to offer as im now 26 and have no idea what sort of areas young mums are interested in..
but i am definently interested to see other peoples suggestions

[ubba82]

Sunshine i will pm you tonight. I used to be a peer support worker with young mums. I will fill you in on the course work we did. Im working til 9 so it will be after that :-)

[BeautifulMadness]

maybe have some people who have been in their shoes to talk to them about they can stil lget their education and a job...

[*Sparklez*]

even though i never finished my education i have landed jobs that even my friends whom have done their HSC havent..
ive worked for optus in their techincal team ive worked for nrma, also have worked for the australian taxation office..
i think that if they cant get their education as they please they should be reminded that determination and confidence will always shine through when it comes to being career wise..

[Sunny Love]

Another thing I thought of was a 'Buddy' system, where parents can be attached to another parent/s with experience possibly (but not necessary). This might encourage more personal friendships to develop and realistic support fostering more positive parenting and self esteem. Oh this is just so exciting Sunshine!!

[BrightSparkles]

Can I ask (this is going to be a very naive question and sound horrible i'm sure) did anyone feel any type of resentment towards their bubs? Because you may not have been able to do all the things your friends were doing??