I'm a Teen Mom that needs HELP!

Sara - posted on 07/28/2010

I applaud you for wanting to finish high school. Ultimately you need to do what you think is right for you and your baby. There are many options out there.. you can continue at a regulkar high school, attend online or check out in your area if there is a drop out retrieval program in your area. They cater to students that are in similaiar positions like yourself or others that have dropped out. They usually let you go to school for just a few hours a day and are fully accredited so you can get a standard diploma. Just make sure you check out all options before making a decision and do what you want not what others want you to do.

Lindsey - posted on 07/28/2010

i would say just finish school.just make sure that you have someone you trust to watch your child.if you drop out there is no guarantee that you will get your GED.something might happen to make you push it back and then it might not even happen.the same with people to take a year off before starting college,it barely happens.so i advise you to finish school for sure.you will be proud of yourself later knowing you finished high school while having a baby.

Nicole - posted on 07/28/2010

I would say getting your GED is the better way to go. At this age he is going to bond with you over everything and you will really get to know him and how he learns. I feel it is always better to be there hands on with your children if possible. Besides, he will pick up the attitude of EVERY child he meets at daycare. good or bad. Waiting a little bit until they develope more of their own personality I believe is best.

Maria - posted on 07/27/2010

I understand what your going through except I'm debating on rather I should go back to college or not. Its a really hard decision. I think you should get ahold of a school advisor or even your principle to see if there is a way you could take some classes on the computer and if there is a way to maybe go half days or something so you don't have to be away from your baby for any great length of time. I think getting your diploma is really important not only because it your diploma but because its a way of saying i survived 13 years of hell and came out on top. If you do get your diploma you should be extra proud of yourself because you didnt become a statistic. Good luck

Yesenia - posted on 07/27/2010

HI im a teen mom myself except im 17 .. i have a nine month old and decided to stay home and take care of my son.. im in the process of taking my ged.. Its hard to decide and takes some time but either way you can go to college.. Just look at the sitition..Do you have someone trustworthy to watch ur son while you are at school? Do you think you can concentrate on your school work? i chose to stay home because i couldnt concentrate.. i dunno if this helped but either way you can go to college so just think really hard about this so u wont regret whatever decision ...But if u do stay home get into ur ged classes asap so u can get it out of ur way and go to college its faster to!!

Kathy - posted on 07/27/2010

Welcome to COM Mary, I'm gonna say that if you can find someone that you trust to watch your son during the day I would go back and finish your diploma in high school, your senior year is something you might later in life wish you had done, and as a mom I wouldn't want my child to think that I resent them for missing out on something that big. Ultimately it is your choice, but that is what I would do. That and if he's 10 months now, he will be close to a year when you go back to school, if you can get subsidized daycare it might be good to have him with other children

Jasmine - posted on 07/27/2010

Hey mary, I just wanted to tell you aren't alone Im a teen mom myself I am staying in school and getting my diploma because I think its the best for my child and for myself. I think you should do what you think is best, dont have any regrets on your decision because when you raise a baby you have to be strong for yourself and your child. Dont let anyone tell you that your not doing a good job. I think if you want good things you have to go through challenges first. I hope this helps.

Kaeli - posted on 07/26/2010

One of the downfalls to getting a GED is that if you wanted to become a teacher, doctor, addmin, etc. The person that is going to hire you will look and see if you grad. high school or just got your GED. They will more likely go off of your high school rather than a GED. My mother hires teachers and she told me that is what she looks for. Hope this helps.

Josie - posted on 07/26/2010

this is only my personal opinion but I think you should finissh school. I know that it will be hard but college will be easier with a diploma and they will relise you worked rather then taking the easier route Just my opinion.But you need to do what feels right for you and your son. Good luck

Mikayl - posted on 07/26/2010

http://www.getinfo.kaplan.edu/index.aspx
Check this out. Free High School Deploma in certain states. The least you can do is call. Good Luck!!!

Marlexa - posted on 07/26/2010

I'm a high school counselor. I would say stay in school and get your diploma. Your diploma will open more doors for you. Check with your family to see if you can get help with your child. Some high schools have alternative programs that you can attend for 4 hours a day so you can continue working towards your diploma. Stick with it! You can do it!

Karisa - posted on 07/26/2010

i think you should finish school! that is the best thing for you and your son.. i was pregnant my junior year but unfortunately i lost him. i got pregnant again throughout my senior yesr and i had him just a month and a half before i graduated i finished chool with a high school deploma. having a high school diploma is much better then a GED it will help with jobs and such as you get older. it will also give you a better life because most jobs want a high school diploma not a GED i so encourage you to finish school. i am also 18 and i finished and im in college as we speak i started the monday after my graduation i am about to finish my third and fourth class this week. so i really do encourage you to get your diploma

Jen - posted on 07/26/2010

as most people have said it's "what's best for your family" but remember you're only a senior once. you can show your child that with hard work and hard decisions you can do anything. You should look for a great support system and try to ask for help- we all need it no matter what our ages are. good luck and feel free to use this board for all your questions and comments. it's the best!

Shemia - posted on 07/26/2010

i just turn 20 was pregnant at 17 turning 18 and now my son is 15 months i had a chance to get my diploma and graduated before i had him but if it was up to me to get my diploma or ged i would stay in school and get my diploma because i would rather walk with friends and graduate from high school and as of right now its my 3rd yr of college and i will have my associates degree next yr in augs

Claudia - posted on 07/26/2010

Im a teen mom myself. i was pregnant wen i graduated high school. I will b start college this fall and my son is 6 mnths. I dont want to put my son as an excuse for me not finishin or startin college.Im doin online classes because i want to b around my son at least his 1st yr. I know its hard not being around ur baby but in the long run you can say i did wat i had to do so tht my son could have someone to look up to. I would advice for u to continue going to school since u already did 3 yrs why go for GED wen u only have a yr to finish and get a HS diploma. hope the best for you.

Amber - posted on 07/26/2010

Im in the same situation but i will be having the baby during my senior year. I have decided to go threw with my senior year as a regulared student and i think you should do the same but its your decishion no one else can chose for you

Ann - posted on 07/26/2010

i am very proud of you for trying to raise a baby and trying to finsh high school cause most kid who have babys at your age or yunger drop out of school and dont go back. if you want to aviod people making you stress at school the go for the GED cause i know how mean some kids can get in a reg school and if you do the GED then you can spend more time with your baby so it is totel up to you but i agine want to give you a high five cause i was in in your shoes and i had my first baby at 18 and i droped out of school and never went back and i am pay for now. i have 3 kids now and i am only 26 years old

Medic - posted on 07/26/2010

I got my GED not because I had a child but because I was tired of going to school and wanted to go to college. It really took no studying as it is VERY basic high school information. I went on to a major state university at 16 and not a single person has ever looked down on me for it.

Amy - posted on 07/26/2010

you definitely have to make the right choice for you and your child, I didn't become a mom until my late 20's and I already had a Bachelor's degree, so I don't know what it's like to be in your shoes, but I do know time with your child is precious...you definitely have to trust the person you leave your child with, some states offer free childcare to those working or going to school if you you financially qualify...some states also have child care resource & referral agencies to help you find quality care...have you looked into either of these? Is there anyway you could attend school for part days and maybe finish in the summer? From a professional standpoint I know that many people do not view a GED as the same as a high school diploma...what would you want for your child, would you wnat your baby to graduate high school or get a GED? Maybe thinking about that will help you decide. You will have to answer to your son some day when you talk about his future, what will you tell him? Being a mom in the greatest thing in life, but you have to find a way to make a living and provide for your child too, so think about how you will do that. Make sure you look in WIC programs, food stamps, etc if you qualify and if you need the help, they are there to be a stepping stone while you get through this tough time in your life. Make sure you get your child regular well child exams, immunizations, etc...he should see the denist at age one as well. Keeping him healthy and happy is your most important job, good luck to you!

Sarh - posted on 07/26/2010

I had my first child, my daughter, at the age of 16. I stayed in high school, and then went onto college. GED to me stands for Good Enough Diploma. A HSD (High School Diploma) looks much better to me. Also, day care is VERY good for babies/toddlers. It helps w/their speech, interactions w/other children, and also developmentally. Continuing high school and placing baby into a GOOD day care will be beneficial to both of you. I know exactly how you feel, I refused to go back to high school because I was nervous of someone else watching my daughter, I didn't want to miss anything, and I just don't trust people. When she was 9 months old my mom pretty much forced me into putting her in day care and going back to school, I am very glad I did so! If anything see if you can find an "Alternative High School", does not mean your a troubled student necessarily, but if you can attend one of these schools you will get a good education and maybe even be able to take 1/2 days.... Good luck! And please do not settle for a GED!

Belle - posted on 07/26/2010

I agree with you that you should be the one caring for your son, I do not know what GED is, but my only suggestion would be to you have you thought about a homestudy course? you should be able to get funding for it, and then you can study and look after your baby, I do know that with a homestudy course you will need to attend an exam. Sorry i couldnt be more help.

Cora - posted on 07/26/2010

i got pregnant in my junior year.. it was hard but i did it i graduated my senior year and was very proud of myself. It was hard and there was sometimes when dezaray was sick that i didnt know if i should drop out or stay. I chose to stay, i wanted dezaray to see her mom stayed in high school and did it just like everyone and was strong enough to do it... It might be a little hard but u can do, just tell yourself that.

Emily - posted on 07/25/2010

I have not been in your situation, but I completely understand the want to be the one taking care of your baby! Must be a difficult decision. I think as long as you are self-motivated, going the GED route would probably be fine. Or, does your school system offer a cyber-school? Some do, and you can complete your courses online. Keep in mind, chances are if you are the only one caring for your child, you'll likely only get to study when he's sleeping. I used to have a work-from-home job and I still ended up having to take my kids to a babysitter because it was impossible to work with them around. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Alice - posted on 07/25/2010

Mary,
Welcome to circle of moms! Nice to meet you.
I was a home-school graduate at 15, but due to my state's laws then, I didn't get a high school diploma and wasn't able to take the GED until I was over 18 (which I did when I got old enough). Most colleges don't look down on you for having a GED, they will have more care over your entrance scores than whether you have a GED or a High school diploma. Either is an accomplishment. If taking the GED would work better for your situation, do it. It certainly hasn't hurt me as far as work and college. I have a BS now and have worked in some pretty good jobs until I started working from home to stay home with my 4 girls.
Again, nice to meet you!

Carol - posted on 07/25/2010

I agree with alyssa berg. The online schools would be great I graduated from highschool but I was thinking of their home school program because my mom was having health problems. There are tons of schools out there like there's penn foster which has a highschool and college course. Also there is job corps. You would have to put your child in day care, but there are centers the provide it. What's nice about them is while you get your diploma you learn a job skill get paid and get pay raises depending on your performance, they give you an allowance for housing or transportation when you are finished and it can take from 8 mos to 2 yrs. They have the day care on site. Best. Of all its FREEEE!!! Its by the us government so its really good and while you attened you gets health care.

JoAnna - posted on 07/25/2010

I got my GED not because of having a baby as I just gave birth to my first at 30! But because I got married the beginning of my senior year. I continued on with college and now have three degrees. In my experience, as long as you actually follow through and get your GED there is nothing wrong with it. And I would not wait as life tends to get in the way of things and before you know it five years has passed and you have to start all over trying to remember things. Good luck!

Alyssa - posted on 07/25/2010

I am 19 years old. Had my son last year and he is 8 months now! I was having the same problem I wanted to finish my last year at my high school but they i was thinking about GED to. Well then i decided to try online school. I went through Advanced Academics. They were so amazing! It is your actual high school diploma but you just do it online. They work with you and never give you to many classes at a time. They supply the computer for you if you dont have one. They help pay for your internet if needed and also help with a printer if needed. They have teachers to talk to you on the phone or online any time of the day. I would really recomend it. You can stay home with you son and work on homeowkr when you have time like during his naps or after he heads to bed. It is super helpful. I would really look into it. it works wonders!

Sylvia - posted on 07/24/2010

I dropped out of high school my senior year and just turned 25 and still have not got my GED. I would say stay in high school and get your deploma you will be really happy that you did and it will go by fast! Just look at it this way. If your baby one day comes to you and says mom I think I want to get my GED instead of staying in school you can say I stayed in school and raised you at the sametime!

Jenna - posted on 07/23/2010

I have a GED and it has never held me back from attending school. If you choose to do this, prepare for it and good luck to you!

Felicia - posted on 07/23/2010

Well, first you need to look at who you trust watching your child. I personally do not trust my mom or my grandma to watch my son. I think YOU need to make this decision for yourself. However, I would gradute highschool only because of the classical "I got pregnant, had a baby and dropped out' I don't mean for that to sound offensensive. I am sorry if it does. I just think that you should finish highschool so you have a sense of accomplishment with school. I graduted through an alternative method, and wished I would have toughned up and went the 'normal' route. But it all comes back to what good for you and your family. Good luck.