Coming up for air...

It appears that my last entry was April 2011.  I would seem that I have been slacking, but in all actuality I have been busy chasing babies and teenagers and finding very little time to reflect on my daily events.  So, at this point I feel like I can come up for air and share some thoughts on the past several months.

I continue to feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with the families I work with.  "Work" just doesn't seem to truly describe what I do, because it doesn't feel like work.  I enjoy my job everyday and rarely feel like I just don't want to go to work.  Everyday is an adventure and filled with challenges, laughter, and many genuine people who care about kids.  It really doesn't get better than that, well maybe a bigger paycheck but I have never been driven by monetary motives.  There are so many things I love about my job, but the things that I find the most rewarding and simply fun are those unanticipated encounters that I drive home laughing and smiling about at the end of the day.  So, I thought I would share some of those stores.  These are the things that inspire me...

Driving parents and babies to school and childcare is a common duty that I have the opportunity to do.  Of course, initially my supervisor and our funders felt this wasn't the best use of my time and skills.  Understandable.  I didn't go to graduate school to become a cab driver or shuttle service.  Now, being that I like to think outside the box or even innovatively (this gets me in trouble frequently) I find this driving time to be an excellent time to get to know my teen parents and of course their children.  Some of the best conversations have occurred in the van or in my car.  I like to think of it as mobile counseling.  One young mother I drive with weekly always has a variety of parenting questions for me that she wouldn't probably ask me in any other setting.  She always seems most intrigued about asking "baby daddy" questions.  For those that are not dialed in to the teenager lingo - baby daddy = your child's father.  She is trying to figure out how to co-parent and this seems to be a regular topic of discussion with me.  This is a comedy act in and of itself because personally, I am still trying to figure that out and probably will be for many years to come.  But, I suppose I am merely a step ahead of her and this proves to create productive and encouraging conversation.  Of course, if you know me even slightly you can imagine that our travels are not always filled with deep and profound conversation.  In fact, we typically start our day laughing hysterically.  Usually, this laughter revolves around my astute driving skills. Of course, I never text and drive, eat while driving, reach for sipping cups in the back seat, or try to find the perfect song on my iPod.  I am an excellent driver!  :)  Now, there was this one time I backed into a light pole, but that was totally understandable.  The pole just wasn't there when I turned around and looked before backing out.  It just came out of no-where!  

Anyway, I work in a remote area of the desert.  There are animals of all sorts out here and I have to have the reflexes of a ninja when driving, although sometimes I have the reflexes of a snail and this has been tragic for a couple of unsuspecting birds who meet their demise on the grill of my car.  Even more interesting are the rez dogs that are always looking for a snack and roaming the roads.  Some are serious risk takers and find it fun to chase my car like I am the last burrito they will ever see.  It would not surprise me one bit if tomorrow a camera crew from Animal Kingdom showed up to video tape the WILDlife I see on a daily basis.  I am available for interviews.  Now, there are those animal kingdom moments where we get to see true desert animals in their glory.  Like the many roadrunners that run across the road.  Running so quickly it seems their feet never touch the ground.  The coyotes are my favorite.  They seem confident and know where they are headed and what they are doing.  In comparison to the rez dogs the coyotes are not interested in me or if I have a burrito hidden under my seat.  The best animal encounter I had was with a Gila Monster.  Now, for those that do not live in the desert this may sound like a scary fire breathing animal that would send one running for the mountains.  Although they are potentially dangerous (not sure how), they are slow moving, smaller than I had imagined, and without fangs, scales, and fiery breath.  One morning we came across a Gila Monster on the side of a remote dirt road.  We had to stop the car and get out and take a picture.  I have lived in Arizona for over 20 years and never saw one of these until this past year.                                                                                      
Driving on the reservation is an interesting experience that has challenged my navigation skills in many ways.  There are very few street signs and certainly no house numbers.  I have learned that GPS systems are utterly useless on the reservation.  IF I had an address to enter into my navigation system I am quite sure the automated voice would simply laugh at me and then shut off.  I have learned my way around the reservation and I am learning what "over there" means and that when someone says there house is pink it really is orange.  I have learned  the names of many desert plants and trees because these are the landmarks signifying to turn "that way."  If you are confused, well try finding a house with those directions!  Good luck with that.                                                                                                                                              
As I reflect on my driving adventures I realize that this time spent has been very valuable and humorous.  Whether I am being chased by a rez dog in my car, jumping a curb or backing into a light pole I can honestly say that I have the gift of making others laugh and that alone is completely worth the daily travels I have with my young parents and their kids.

There are days that I get to sit on the floor and just play with babies and toddlers.  Those are without a doubt my most favorite days at work!  To have a child light up when they successfully master a task or discover a new activity is priceless.  To watch their parent equally light up as their child proves to be as smart as they know he or she is, is even better.  In all honesty, the best part about working with small children is their genuine excitement to see me and greet me with a hug and saying my name.  This may sound silly, but I am an outsider to many of the families I work with.  It takes time to build trust and relationships with families, and this process starts of course with the teen parents I work with.  A child knows who he or she can trust based on their parents interaction with someone.  Over time, the teen parents begin to trust me and THEN  the children begin to build that relationship with me.  Those moments when a child that is not your own comes running to you with open arms squealing your name is a moment where you know a bond of trust has been created.  That's what I come to work for everyday and I love it!

I have to share some dad stories. When I started this job I had my own preconceived notions of what a teen father was, and I was way off!  I currently conduct two parenting groups that are comprised of young fathers.  These young men are rough and tough with tattoos, posess long detailed rap sheets, and colorful histories that I will not disclose.  However, these young men are fathers,  love their children, and sincerely want to make changes in their lives.  Changes that will impact their children in a positive way.  They know they are role models to their children, especially their sons, and they want to do right by their children.  With that said, we have amazing weekly discussions on how they can be the fathers they desire to be for their children.  One of the incentives for participating in my program are family outings.  These are parent child outings geared toward building parenting skills, strong family bonds, and great memories.  Many first time parents are unaware of the many survival items needed for such outings, and honestly some of my teen dads really have no idea what they need to bring on a family outing.  After preparing my parents for an outing reminding them to bring a child, car seat, stroller, diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks, change of clothes, and a partridge in a pear tree, I see glazed over looks from the dads.  You know the look.  The one that implies that you have three heads and must be speaking a foreign language.  Well, I often have at least one brave solo father on an outing and I love seeing his confidence grow as he takes on the task of father bonding time with his baby at the zoo.  Teen fathers really just need to know they can be effective, loving, successful fathers.  They are told they can't do it, so many just give up.  I love seeing these  young dads step into their role inspite of the fear of the unkown!  

Lastly, I would like to share one specific dad story. In preparation for our Zoolights trip and ornament making/cooking decorating Christmas celebration I discussed with the young men the items they needed to bring with them on the outing and our plans for a Christmas celebration.  One of the fathers informed me that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to attend our outing because he had a court hearing the day before the planned outing and wasn’t sure if he would be going to jail.  I asked him to give me a call following his court hearing to let me know if he would be able to participate in our outing to Zoolights.  I proceeded to write my work cell number down on a sheet of paper, of course in my mind I am not real confident that I will hear from this young man in the next 24 hours.  4:20PM the next day my phone rings.  I am greeted by a young man who says, “Uhhhh, I don’t remember your name, but I won’t be able to come to Zoolights tomorrow.  I have to go to jail for 5 days, but I will be at school for group next week when we make the ornaments and decorate cookies.”  Pleasantly surprised that this young man remembered to call, and humored by the fact that he did not remember my name in spite of being part of my group since August.  I reminded him of my name and thanked him for being responsible and letting me know about his absence at our outing.  I asked him when he would be starting his 5 days in jail and he said “Now.  I had time to make a call so I called you.”  I was his one phone call.  I was moved by the fact that this young father valued his time in our parenting groups enough to not only remember to call me and let me know about his plan, but also to carry my cell number to his court hearing.  Sometimes I wonder if the parents I meet with so frequently are truly listening to me, and if they remember certain details (like my name), but I know without a doubt they value what we discuss and they look forward to meeting weekly in group.  This young man proved that parenting group is important to him and definitely a priority in his life.

Inspired...

I continue to be amazed and inspired by the young families I work with.  So many of them face tremendous adversity, yet they persevere.  There are moments where I think to myself, “I would’ve given up.”  When food is sparse or simply just not there it seems the drive to continue to move forward, to continue to press in, to work toward the goal of completing one’s education gets even stronger.  This drive will not only take these young parents to another level of education, but they are setting an example to their children.  Examples of survival, overcoming.  Determination that takes a challenge full on and doesn’t give up.  These young families are creating a legacy of their own for their children.  When I ask them what keeps them going, what keeps them from giving up, the answer is always their children.  Some people say teenagers cannot see beyond today; they are self-absorbed, emotionally driven and living in the moment.  Maybe these young parents were THAT teenager at one point, but not now.  These parents see their future and they see the direct correlation between their future and the impact their choices will have on their children. 

I have a family who is living in challenging living conditions, conditions that most people would never be willing to endure.  Yet, they embrace this circumstance with an attitude of adventure and pride.  Adventure in living in a situation that is less than comfortable, but yet embracing the positive in a challenging situation.  Pride in knowing that they are self-sufficient, providing for their child , and happily living  together as a family.  Yet, in spite of this situation, dad continues to pursue securing alternative housing while embracing living life in a traditional “Native way.”  Who am I to question that?  I don’t.  Mom, continues to be committed to completing her high school education, a commitment and determination that gets her to school daily and her son to his childcare center each day.  She completes her work with excellence and doesn’t give up knowing that her education is the key to future success.

June 4, 2011, high school graduation.  The anticipation of seeing these committed parents shake their principal’s hand and receive their diplomas is exciting.  My heart swells with joy and admiration as I envision that day knowing the challenges some of these parents have been through.  Truly inspirational!

A mom to many...

My professional career has without a doubt merged with my personal life in such an amazing way.  I have always desired to have a large family with lots of kids, however I have been blessed with one child.  I am a mother of one amazing, beautiful, healthy little girl who is the joy of each day.  Some days more than others!  :)  In addition, over the years I have taken great joy in supporting and encouraging young women as they step into their new role of motherhood.  I was reminded this past week of how I have always loved encouraging young mom's when my sweet friend Ariana called and shared with me the joy of the newest addition to her family, her second child.  She said she thought of me when she was in labor.  At first, I was a bit concerned.  Was she cursing my name saying "She lied, this REEEEEEAALLLY hurts!"  or was it thoughts that I encouraged her with?  I don't know that it was either, but she thought of me and I am honored.  You see, when she was pregnant the first time we visited the breastfeeding store, we talked about labor, and the joys of being a new mom.  Spending that time with her encouraged her more than I realized, and I now look back and realize that that time with her was a foreshadowing of a career that was ahead. 

In addition, when I was a high school counselor I had teen mother's come through my office many times.  They were my favorite!  Some were in tears, some celebrating, and some just down right freaked out!  Regardless, I enjoyed encouraging them and worked hard at instilling in them that they could be amazing moms - no matter what their circumstances!!!  Whether professionally or personally I have had the opportunity to encourage those first time moms and I love it!

This past week we have had 2 new babies added to our program.  I say "our" because Areal is my new co-worker.  She is an amazing mom of 4 beautiful children and we get to encourage our moms together and we have a blast.  Anyway, the new babies are beautiful, but the best part is watching the young mom's kick into gear and become the amazing mom's they were created to be!  One of these new mom's (we will call her Selena) is specifically on my caseload.  Selena called me to tell me that her water broke LAST NIGHT at 8:00 PM, it was 10:30 AM when she called.  As it turns out, I was in St. Louis when she called and was rendered pretty much helpless with regard to assisting her in getting her to the hospital.  Selena wasn't sure if she was in labor.  She expected her water breaking to be this deluge of water landing at her feet, so since that's not how it works she pretty much was confused.  No mom to tell her, no sister to put her worries at ease, so she called me crying and unsure what to do.  I informed her that indeed her water had broken and she needed to head to the hospital ASAP!  She didn't have a ride and I certainly couldn't swing by and get her all the way from St. Louis.  Well, she eventually found a ride and made it to the hospital with plenty of time.  She was a trooper and delivered a healthy 7 pound baby boy.  I was able to visit her in the hospital and she looked great, felt great, and she was so proud of her most recent accomplishment.  Her son!  For the weeks following I had the privilege to visit her at home and coach her through some breastfeeding basics, loaded her up with easy healthy foods, and answered lots of new mom questions.  Now, I realize I am not an expert, but sometimes simply being a trusted mom is all someone needs to get through those initial "oh crap, now what" mom moments.  Selena's son will be 2 weeks old tomorrow and Selena's confidence is grown and the best part is she advocates for her son like any mama bear would.  She doesn't allow her 9 brother's and sister's into her room without sanitizing their hands and the DOORKNOB.  She asks Areal and me to wash our hands before we hold the baby.  She is an amazing mom and I am just down right proud of her.

As I drove away from her very small impoverished home filled with 9 children I was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for the opportunity to fulfill a motherly role with this young mom and her new baby.  Being a mother is the most amazing opportunity and a role that I cherish.  I am filled with gratitude knowing that I get to share something I am so passionate about with a new mom who is beginning her own journey as a mother.  I feel like I am a "mom to many."  So amazing!!!

Maliyah's Mom

Coming home from the hospital with your first child is most definitely a leap of faith moment.  It's like jumping out into the great unknown and hoping that you will do everything right.  It's not some little experiment that you are trying in your kitchen.  It is a human life that you instantly love and want to protect and provide for.  Thank God for His wisdom in wiring parents with the courage needed to take that first step; that first step to leave the hospital and go home and be a new parent. I think of the moment when I took Sarah home from Chandler Regional Hospital 9 years ago.  I remember the fear of the unknown that was ahead.   The uncertainty of knowing what to do when she cried or knowing how much to feed her or knowing what she needed or knowing what to do in the middle of the night .....the list went on.  Leaving the hospital for the first time was scary!  I think of that moment when I think of the young parents I work with who are having their first child at such a young age.  Not only are they facing many of the things most new parents face coming home for the first time, but they are also so young and not necessarily prepared for what is ahead.  They have had 9 months to digest and prepare for adult responsibilties and enormous changes they will be facing as teenagers.  Most of us had a few years between being teenagers and parents.  These teens will no longer live the life of a typical teenager.  Potentially overwhelming changes are ahead for them, some realize this and some don't!

I would like to share a story about Maliyah's Mom, Alicia (her name has been changed).  Currently, Maliyah is 6 months old.  She is a beautiful baby girl with a full head of shiny black hair, big brown eyes, and the cutest baby smile ever!  I met Maliyah when she was born at Chandler Regional Hospital in May.  Her young mom was texting me with Maliyah bedside looking for visitors to come to her hospital room.  Her family was coming and going, but she still was alone in an unfamiliar setting with a new baby.  Certainly a scary experience at 16 years old.  Alicia was proud of her new baby girl, but the look of "now what" was on this young mother's face.  She was uncertain of the adventure that was ahead and I cannot imagine how she felt at that moment.   She had family supporting her and was equipped with diapers, stroller, car seat, clothes, the essentials, but the uncertainty of what to do next was still right before her.  Alicia went home and embraced the challenge of being a new mom and she has grown into one of the most amazing mother's I know.  Not only is Maliyah a healthy, strong, and beautiful baby, but her mother is also a strong, confident, and empowered young mom.  Here is her story.

When I met Alicia she was pregnant, timid, QUIET, and scared of what was ahead.  I worried about her and wondered what I needed to do most to support her.  As the months have passed, I have seen her advocate for herself and her child in a way that made me realize that this mom is a survivor and not only will she continue to overcome the challenges she faces as a teen mother, but her daughter will grow up strong and without a doubt someday very proud of her mother. 

As part of my program we have funding to help with baby supplies - diapers, formula, clothing, fun stuff...you name it.  We have a generous budget and that truly makes my job easier and so much more fun!  However, I have a strong commitment to making sure that the parents in my program do not see me as a wishing well where they can just call me up at the last minute and ask for stuff when they run out.  Of course, this has happened several times.  "Heidi, I ran out of diapers.  Can you bring some by?"  I am not a delivery service or a place for free stuff.  Now this may sound cold hearted, however there is compassion in this story.  :)  I share with my parents that if they "work" for me they will earn whatever items they need.  For example, Alicia is probably one of the parents who has the greatest need, so I pick her up each week from school and she comes to my office and helps me with different jobs - filing, organizing, labeling.  She earns her diapers and has learned to plan ahead and stock up on the things she needs so that Maliyah will never go without.  This is a huge step!  I tease her and tell her I want to make her a t-shirt that says "will work for diapers", because she literally will.  Of course, often times our "work" is more fun than actual work, but the point is that Alicia calls me in advance, schedules a time to come, and is commited to earning what she needs.  At that point, I become very generous and simply want to bless her because I know she values earning the things she needs for her daughter.  It is truly a joy to be able to give Alicia what she needs for her baby, and the weekly communication allows for great conversations and problem solving.  It is a win, win for sure! 

Not only is Alcia a survivor, but she is commited to her education.  She is brilliant.  She works hard at school and wants to be sure she earns her credits to graduate.  She wants her daughter to see her mom graduate.  Alicia is going to school for herself and Maliyah.  This young mother is so commited to graduating that she has gone through thick and thin to enroll her child in Headstart - both for the learning environment for her daughter and for the child care.  We spent hours retrieving necessary documents for her to enroll Maliyah.  We completed applications and drove all over the place to take care of what needed to be done.  Once all that was done, Maliyah was placed on a long waiting list.  Another frustrating hurdle that this young mom didn't let discourage her.  So, she waited.  Eventually, she received a call stating Maliyah could come to Headstart, but there was no transportation.  A huge issue where I work.  Without a blink, Maliyah's mom said she would walk Maliyah to school because they both needed it.  Now let me paint a picture for you.  Alicia lives in the desert.  It is isolated and there are no sidewalks or paved roads on the path to school.  Alicia lives about a 20 minute walk from school and headstart.  Alicia puts Maliyah in the stroller and walks across the desert each morning before school to make sure her daughter gets to Headstart and to make sure she is getting her education every day!  Most 16 year olds would have said forget it and stayed home. 

Everytime Maliyah's mom is faced with an obstacle or challenge she overcomes it.  I think I get more concerned or stressed out for her than she does.  She takes it all in stride and contiues to persevere.
Alicia inspires me and makes me proud to know her.  I have no doubt that she will continue to do amazing things in her life and the result will be a healthy, strong and empowered little Maliyah!

Thanksgiving is just one day! What about the other 364 days of the year?

I have spent the past 2 weeks trying to come up with some brilliant entry for my next blog.  There is a lot of pressure in this.  :)  I will put this disclaimer out there for whomever is reading this blog.  I cannot guarantee that each entry will inspire you to change the world, however what I can promise is that each entry will be heartfelt and encouraging so here goes! 

Thanksgiving Day is that one day where everyone sits back and reflects on the things they are thankful for, right?  This is really good and important, however what about the other 364 days out of the year?  Shouldn't we be reflecting on what we are thankful for daily?  Anyway, I really don't want to give the cliche list of all the things I am thankful for just because it is that one day out of the year that I am supposed to come up with the list.  I can honestly say that I think and pray about those things I am thankful for everyday.  I live a blessed life with so much to be thankful for that simply reflecting on those things one day out of the year just isn't sufficient.  HOWEVER,  in honor of this holiday I would like to write on those things I am thankful for with regard to my job.  Considering that this blog is really not about me, but rather the teen families I have the privilege of knowing I would like to jot down a few of those things I am thankful for with regard to them.

• I am thankful to know several young moms who are determined to further their education simply because they want to be able to provide for their children.
• I am thankful that not all teenagers are self-indulged, spoiled, and present minded.
• I am thankful for the young dads in my program.  They have a desire and passion to be the best fathers they can be.  Awesome sauce! (J.Skogerboe. Facebook, 2010)
• I am thankful for a young mom who is so determined to get her education that she walks across the desert pushing her daughter in a stroller to Headstart childcare everyday.  She acknowledges the importance of her child being in a positive learning environment while she is in school earning her diploma.  More on this young lady in my next entry.  
• I am thankful for a young father who shared that he is learning from me.  He said he doesn't party with his friends anymore because he values his time with his family more. This young father is putting his family's needs and desires before his own.  Love it!
• I am thankful for those moms and dads who bring their babies to school everyday so they can earn their high school diploma.  They are faced with the challenge of not having childcare, however they don't give up!  They are determined to continue their education regardless of the challenges they face. 
• I am so thankful for the many babies I get to love on and see grow!  The Lord has surrounded me with so many babies and it is such a joy!  A true desire of my heart! 

The young parents that I spend my weekdays with are overcomers.  They are maturing in ways they didn't expect, but most of all they are embracing the challenges in their lives with hope and perseverance.  I never hear them complain or say they want to just give up.  I wonder if they ever feel that way?  They are working toward a successful future and the love they have for their children is what drives them and gives them passion to be the best parents they can be.  I am proud of them and hope to continue to be a light of encouragement in their lives.  These are the things I am thankful for.

Reflections of a young father.

When you think of a teen parent what visual comes to mind?  Was it a teenage girl or teenage boy?  Well, I will be honest up until 7 months ago my visual was a teenage girl.  My experience as a school social worker had created this framework in my brain because I never had a teen father in my office, but rather teen mothers.  At this point in my professional career I can say with great enthusiasm that I have the most amazing opportunity to work with teen fathers and they are a blessing!  The young men I have the pleasure to know love their children dearly, want to be the best fathers they can be, and in spite of their chronological age are growing up rapidly simply because they WANT TO embrace fatherhood.  This is a CHOICE  they choose and I admire them for that!

Now,  the reflections and experiences of one young father in my program...

This particular young man is growing up on the reservation with absent parents, influences of drugs, alcohol, and gangs.  He is being raised by his elderly grandmother who loves him dearly and wants him to earn his high school diploma and enjoy a healthy and successful adult life.  When I first met this young man (before he was a father) he felt it was important to draw me a map of his community.  He wanted to show me where I should NEVER go because these certain areas had heavy gang involvement and he didn't want me to get caught in the crossfire.  I think he was being a bit dramatic, but he knew we came from very different worlds and wanted to help me out.

This young man has a beautiful 4 month old son that he loves deeply and is so proud of.  In our many conversations he has shared that he wants his son to have parents who are involved in his life and that he doesn't want his son to experience some of the things that he experienced as a young boy growing up.  He vacillates between feeling like his son is destined to have the same life he did growing up and the seemingly unattainable possibility of a better option out there for his child.  This young father has never seen healthy relationships between parents and children.  He has never experienced those relationships first hand.  He only knows one way of life and that is the only thing he visualizes.  His experiences have shaped his expectations, his mental framework. 

There is hope in this story.  Now, as part of this program of course I utilize a national parenting curriculum and it has been tested and proven to be a best practice tool for parenting programs.  Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful tool that continues to enable me to teach these young parents the many ingredients needed for healthy and effective parenting. BUT!  There is always the peripheral benefits that continue to wow me.  The benefits that occur from the simple experiences in life and my inevitable way of just being human and transparent before my teen parents.  Nonetheless, the unexpected outcomes seem to be the most powerful.

Get to the point Heidi...this young man had the opportunity to work for 3 hours for $7.25 at a polling site on November 2, 2010 - voting day.  I asked all the young fathers in my group if they were interested and this father jumped to the opportunity!  You would think that I offered him a lifetime supply of diapers for taking  me up on this offer.  He was so thrilled to have his "first job" - a legal one at that!  So with great enthusiasm I drove him to the polling site, gave him water and a burrito, dropped him off, and he went to work.  His grandmother was proud of him.  He was proud of himself.  He was proud because he was going to make enough money to buy a box of diapers - just ONE box of diapers for his son.  These outcomes alone were simply wonderful, but it was the peripheral benefits that will sow a long term effect in him.  Two things happened.  1.)  He observed families going into the polling site together.  He was amazed at how many kids were with their parents, at night, together!  He states, "This doesn't happen where I live."  It is not safe where he lives and he reports that the families he knows do not spend a lot of time together with their children.  The funny part is he said that the moms were scared of him and kept their children close when they walked by.  He didn't care, he just smiled and thanked them for voting!  2.)  I drove this hard working dad home and at that point I had my daughter in the car.  She and I carried on our usual "how was your day" conversation.  This young father listened intently and then commented on how he has never heard parents and kids talking this way.  Positively and encouraging - showing love! He wanted that experience for himself and as we discussed it I pointed out that he could have those conversations with his son too. 

Besides promoting voting and earning money for diapers, that evening was a huge success.  The observations he made that night will impact him in a far greater manner than any single lesson in my curriculum.  This young father had to visually see families being loving and together.  Laughing and enjoying each others company.  Mother's pulling their children close to them.  :)  He needed to see this example in real life form, to hear my daughter's responses, to hear my words of encouragement to her. My hope is that these moments will begin to change his framework that defines parent/child relationships.  The more human, real, healthy examples he sees the greater chance for change in him and his relationship with his son. I am confident that this evening was the beginning of change for this young dad.  He went home with new experiences to draw from and strive for in his own family.  It was incredible to hear the insight he shared that night.  Who would've thought that a simple trip to the voting poll would've made such an impact!  Now I need to show him how to register to vote!

First Official Post!

Welcome to Pitter Patter Babies Matter!  I am currently at a conference in St. Louis.  I am enjoying an ice cream sandwich in my hotel room that I have ALL to myself!  AHHHHHHH!  Anyway, I attended a training session today on social media.  I realized that there are many amazing stories that only reach the office of my supervisor.  We have a weekly RA! RA! session.  This is all well and good, however our funders would  definitely enjoy hearing these personal stories, and certainly the parents in my program would be encouraged to hear of each other's successes. So, blogging seemed like the best way to share these amazing stories of strength and growth in my teen parents.  Of course, for me personally, when there are those days that feel like there are few successes and that I am paddling up stream I will be sure to go back and read my posts for my own personal encouragement! 

Now to find some followers to share these thoughts with....