teen moms – Janice Airhart

What’s in a Name?

I once read an article advocating a minimum age requirement for getting a tattoo by comparing body art to a drunken climb up a water tower with a can of spray paint. “At seventeen, you might think it will impress your girlfriend to scrawl her name inside a heart where everyone driving by can enjoyContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”

FloCrit: Wraparound Services for Teen Families

When I started teaching high school science in Oklahoma in 2007 at the age of 55, I knew almost nothing about teaching. I’d taught Freshman Composition at a local college part time for a few semesters, but I’d never taught science, and never to pregnant or parenting teen girls. You’d think having a degree inContinue reading “FloCrit: Wraparound Services for Teen Families”

A Head Start…or a Step Back?

Just a couple of blocks from the campus for teen moms where I used to teach in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was an older elementary school that had been renovated to host a Head Start and Early Head Start childhood education program. One of the benefits of having a high school campus designed for teen momsContinue reading “A Head Start…or a Step Back?”

Choose Change: You never know where it’ll take you

Last year, I finished a memoir about my eight-year career as a science teacher to teen moms, called Subject to Change. My story emphasizes the human capacity for and willingness to change when unexpected things happen. Sometimes we choose change, too. When I started this Substack newsletter last year, it seemed only natural that IContinue reading “Choose Change: You never know where it’ll take you”

Power Behind the Young Parent Collective: Kate Westaby

Kate Westaby was 17 and a senior in high school when she discovered she was going to be a mom. Although it was discouraging, Kate was determined to graduate and provide a secure family for her son, which was difficult enough by itself. Despite the challenges, she successfully navigated the educational system to graduate andContinue reading “Power Behind the Young Parent Collective: Kate Westaby”

Support for Single Moms: Arms of Hope

Several years ago, a women’s retreat I attended chose to benefit a charity through the donation of essential supplies. The Refuge Ranch in Bastrop, Texas, just southeast of Austin, provided residential care and support for former victims of sex trafficking. Many clients were adolescent girls. As part of our retreat, we packed “goody bags” forContinue reading “Support for Single Moms: Arms of Hope”

Supporting Teen Moms in CA: Fristers

This week continues my commitment to celebrate organizations that support teen moms. While I’m deeply concerned for these young women’s welfare and that of their children, I know there are good people doing good things all over this country. Thank you to all those who have provided suggestions for other programs to highlight. I hopeContinue reading “Supporting Teen Moms in CA: Fristers”

Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead

“My dad told me having this baby was my punishment for having sex,” a student in my biology class once told me. I was startled for a moment but finally said, “Please don’t ever think of your baby as a punishment.” I was angry that her father would tell her such a thing. Learning yourContinue reading “Sixteen and Pregnant … Roadblocks Ahead”