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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
Addison Beasley– Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) psychology Mustangs at Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) had the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a parent.
Over the course of two weeks, Mustangs were required to carry around and take care of a “sock baby,” a simulated infant made from bundled socks, rags, etc. Each student got randomly assigned a slip of paper with a specific story of conception that provided the backstory on the baby or babies. The assignment ended Nov. 9.
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Mustangs were required to take their children with them everywhere they went, and if they wanted to leave the child somewhere, they needed to find someone to babysit their child.
AICE psychology teacher Patricia Haeussler said, “Students will learn the responsibility; that they have to be aware of another person other than themselves and while this is not completely like having a baby, it is just a small experience and step in the process.”
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Each parent will also had to make a baby book which includes a birth certificate and a document of their baby’s first experiences.
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The creative aspect of this project is a great experience for all teenagers, Haeussler said.
“I just love to see how creative the students get when creating the sock babies and caring for them.”
Junior AICE Psychology student Marcella Hymes said, “Taking care of my baby this week has been eye opening because it puts into perspective how time-consuming babies are.”
Haeussler also notified the entire faculty to look out for Mustangs who aren’t taking care of their sock babies. Sock babies are not to be left alone and Mustangs found mistreating their babies will get points taken off for abuse and negligence.
Overall, it helps Mustangs prepare for parenthood, or big responsibilities in general, and make sure they only commit to such a thing when they are ready mentally.
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