PARENT CONSENT FORM FOR BABY THINK IT OVER
Your son or daughter has been assigned for a parenting simulation with a computerized doll called Baby Think It Over (Baby). Mrs. Tina Morgan, Family and Consumer Science teacher, will supervise the simulation. The doll cries at random intervals and requires round-the-clock care on the part of its teen “parent”.
This simulation will be a challenge for your young adult. It will teach him or her more about the responsibilities of parenthood than any amount of lecturing could. Many teens that use the doll say afterward that it motivated them to wait to have children.
Because the simulation is demanding, you have a right to know how it will affect you and your teenager. Here are some of the most important ways: 1. Your teen will be “on call” by Baby for 24 hours a day, for 3 days. The teen must drop whatever he/she is doing, with no warning and care for the Baby. The device used for caring for Baby will be with your teen at all times. 2. The doll will cry frequently (but briefly, if its parent is attentive). 3. Baby will wake your teenager at night, and possibly other family members or pets. 4. The teen must take supplies provided along wherever he or she goes (equipment will include a diaper bag, clothing and a car seat).
Your teen is required to participate in this project or an alternative project as part of the Child Development curriculum. Your input as a parent will be of great value. While caring for Baby is your teen’s responsibility, your child needs encouragement and support and may even need a babysitter for a few hours, but very few as this is their project! Many parents have found that the simulation opens new lines of communication with their teenagers.
These “babies” cost over $650 each. We have never had one severely damaged or lost, but the “parent” is liable if this should happen. Please call me if you have any questions. We have done this project for several years and have found it very worthwhile.
This project will count 250 points of their grade. The students write a full 1 page paper about their experiences and complete several forms. These add up to the 150 points of the grade; the care of the baby and its safe return is 100 points of the grade. Your child will begin to sign up for a time to have the simulator approximately August 7. Make sure to discuss the best time and a couple of alternate dates for your child to do this project before the 7th. The first weekend to take Baby home will be August 15. Because of the number of students signing up, the date cannot be changed unless agreed ahead of time by the other student assigned that day and Mrs. Morgan. All students will be required to attend an SRT the week they take Baby home to prepare.
Tina Morgan, FACS
544-5000, vm 5079
Please sign and return:
I ______, parent of ______, have read the above letter and agree to let my teen participate in a parenting simulation using Baby Think It Over for 3 days. I agree to accept financial responsibility if the doll is damaged, lost or stolen.
Parent’s Signature______Date______
_____My child has chosen to do the alternative to the Baby Think It Over Assignment. (see other side)