in front of the classroom today...

So today I was at my field placement (i am an education major) in a 6th grade science room. I was introducing myself and within that I mentioned that I have a two year old son. The students were given a few minutes to ask me any questions that they wanted. One happened to ask how old I was. Then one of the kids apparently did the math and mentioned that i was young to the teacher. so she basically gave me a script to use if the kids ask me about it. she thinks i should say something about making mistakes in my life and not that i would change it but that if i could start all over there would be a lot of things in my life that I would change.

I was slightly offended by this. I feel like she is taking the perspective that a teen mother is a bad thing to be. My mom was not that helpful either. When I mentioned it to her she basically said that saying that i was a young mom and being successful (by almost being a teacher) would make those young kids think they should go have babies because life is easy with a kid. Ugh

I would much rather say yes I was young and yes it's hard, but I am working hard to meet my goals just like everyone else. I tackle different obstacles than other college students, but we all have obstacles. Mine happen to be child care or deciding if I should stay home with my sick kid whereas other students have to work around work schedules or family or whatever. I show my pageant girls (I am on a pageant committee and I manage the girls at the county fair) that I am a strong woman and mama, but I also tell them that it could be them that gets pregnant.

I am too much of a proud mama to consider my son a mistake or to say that I would him being in my life. If anything were to change in my life it would be that I would never have to go to school or work again haha.

What do you think? How do you think I should approach my life with 11 and 12 year olds?

Re: in front of the classroom today...

That's a toughie! Personally I'd go with what you're comfortable with, I think that's a good way to approach it. I think I'd just tell the teacher that you can't follow the script because it's not true and you don't want to lie to the kids. I think seeing strong, successful young single mothers is great for kids, and I bet you if any of the girls in the class eventually gets pregnant at a young age she will remember you and feel stronger.
Also, is there a reason you have to talk about it at all? It would probably be easiest to avoid talking about altogether, like to change the subject or answer vaguely, if that's possible.

Re: in front of the classroom today...

I don't need to talk about it, but the teacher brought up that the kids might asked me questions. So I was just commenting what I would prefer to say. I do not think they will ask me any questions I can't be vague about.

Re: in front of the classroom today...

I'm truly disgusted at what the teacher said to you about this. I've done field work in the past with a science class full of middle school students, so I can understand how you'd want to be polite to her (especially if her feedback to any of your advisors ends up weighing against you), but I would try to be truthful to her, even to the point of explaining what it's like to be a teenage mother. Most of those teachers are naive and heartless when it comes to teen pregnancy. Perhaps explaining to her how you really feel about all that would be beneficial, not only for you, but for other students she'll have in her class who are pregnant. If the conversation is done with tact perhaps she could understand and see how she made rash assumptions.

Re: in front of the classroom today...

I also love what momnipotent said about being a great support to other girls in the class who many be secretly pregnant or in the future may be pregnant.

Re: in front of the classroom today...

I think if it's something that makes you uncomfortable and like you're either not being true to yourself or that it's something you need to hide or act ashamed about, then don't do it. Try to come up with your own script that allows you to be true and still satisfies the other teachers, even if it's something like "I appreciate the curiosity but wish not to discuss my personal life, if anyone has any other questions..". Just because a student asks a question does not mean you are at all obligated to answer it if it's off topic or about you personally.

Re: in front of the classroom today...

Well the kids just had February break so I am guessing the majority of the kids totally forgot the conversation, haha. I am sure it will be fine, but I definitely won't be following the script she suggested if there is any discussion.

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