TEENS & TODDLERS
Journal Excerpts
Spring 2005

“ As long as you’re financially able, and strong enough to support your child and yourself on your own, then you’re ready to have a baby.”

“ I don’t think children should get spanked because they get traumatized, and become very sick mentally.”

“Teens and Toddlers was the only thing I came to school for, if it wasn’t for Teens and Toddlers, I would have dropped out by now.”
 

“At first I was scared to talk to the kids because I have never been around them before, but then after we hung out with them for awhile I realized how much they liked me. They always wanted me to sing to them or play with them. It meant so much to me that they looked forward to seeing me every week.”
 

“In Teens and Toddlers, I learned how to cry in front of people. I never let anyone see my emotions, but after talking about my life, and hearing about other people’s lives I learned that I could trust the people in my group. It felt really good.”
 

“I don’t think you are ready to have a baby, if you haven’t finished high school. I mean I can’t imagine going to school, hanging out with my friends, and taking care of a child. I would feel bad that I wasn’t doing a good job.”

“(Toddler 1) likes when you listen to her while she’s talking.  It means a lot to her, even though it’s like that with all toddlers, she is one of many that likes to get heard.  (Toddler 2) likes to take his time.

I’ve learned how to redirect and listen to toddlers.  I will look at them and reply to them.”
 

“Today was great like always.  It took me almost 10 minutes to wake up (Toddler).  He likes to do things at his own pace.  If hee doesn’t want to do it he will not, if he doesn’t want you to do something you won’t do it.  Everything has to go his way.  He will take his time.  I did talk and play with him a little to get to know him better but I also gave him his space.”
 

“Today was cool.  (Toddler) gave me another hard time today.  He really wanted his space today but he was listening to me.  Maybe next week (Toddler) will be more open because he opens up every time I go visit.  He says hi and bye so I know he doesn’t dislike me.”
 

“I had a nice day, but it was a little rough.  The kids seem a little down and upset.  So, I see why it was rough for me.  (Toddler) was mad at me or something but later he opened up to me.”
 

“Having a child is a major responsibility.  Both parents will have to be ready to support another human.  Both will have to have a good career or job that will support the child.  Both should also take parenting classes.”
 

 “Today was very great.  (Toddler) really was good today.  He sat in my lap today!  I guess because he sees how all the other ones like to so he decided to.”
 

“Today was the best day of all.  Today was the day that me and (Toddler) finally communicated.  I was shocked!  Today was the day that me and her actually sat together and played.  I was happy about that.  I enjoyed this day because I got to talk to (Toddler).  She made my day!”
 

“Today was a great day.  I left with a smile on my face.  In the kids today I seen that they like to fix up things and help people.  That’s good that little kids like to do things like that.  To me that’s kind of educational.”
 

“I think natural child birth is beautiful but it doesn’t look beautiful.  It looks very painful.  It makes me have second thoughts about having kids.”
 

“Today it was a wonderful day.  I’m so happy those kids made my day today.”

“(Toddler) came to me and told me that it was her last day and that she was leaving.  She didn’t look very happy about it but stuff like that happens all the time.  She’ll get it when she’s older.”
 

“I gave some compliments to the kids and they got all excited so I’ll try to do that more often and that was all for today.  I can’t wait for next week.”
 

“!@#%, these kids!  It takes time for them to get comfortable and it really stinks!  I’m never never having kids!”
 

“Today was a very cool day.  Like always, (Toddler) seems very happy when he sees me so I think that he is going to feel bad when I leave.  Hopefully he doesn’t.” 

“I had fun today but it was hard to say goodbye to the kids.  But, most of all I want to say thanks for this opportunity and don’t forget me.”
 

“The new learning I had was that kids can care very quickly.  My interactions with the toddler were very close.  He told me he loves me!”
 

”I’ve had more fun than any other day so thank you!”
 

“I actually solved a problem today with (Toddler 1) and (Toddler 2) because when it was time for play time (Toddler 2) went into the play area where the slides were and (Toddler 1) wanted to sit there so I told (Toddler 2) she needed to share because it’s caring and I made her realize what she did wrong.  Next thing you know they ended up being the best of friends.  And (Toddler 2) also had a teddy bear of Winnie the Pooh and didn’t want (Toddler 1) to pet it but I convinced her to.”
 

“I told the toddlers that I would be leaving because the program is almost over and they said no way so that made me feel special.”
 

“I believe the ideal situation in becoming a parent is being stable meaning to say have your life set having education and money-wise as well.  I believe both parents should be together so the child could have an ideal mother and father to have a point of view of both.  And show the child love at all times.”
 

“What I’m really excited about today is that I found out I’m going to college on July 12^th.  And that’s a big step I believe.”
 

“Today was a really sad day because it was our last day.  I read a book to all the kids and they enjoyed it as well.  All the kids including (day care teacher) sang to me a good bye song.  I’m going to miss going there but eventually I will work there in September hopefully.”
 

“I’ve realized kids aren’t my thing but I’m enjoying the program and I will stay.”
 

“(Toddler) has a great personality.  I told her she was going to play with me but then all the kids wanted to play so I let them but then (Toddler) got mad because she said I broke my promise so I apologized and played with her.”