NBC.com

Episode 101 | Episode 102 | Episode 103 | Episode 104 | Episode 105 | Episode 106

Download Discussion Guide Episode 105 Here.

SUMMARY

This time the teen parents are caring for teen kids. Some are easy, laid-back, respectful and responsible. Others are not - and they test the limits at every turn. But as demanding as parenting is, some of the teen couples find that the hardest struggles are taking place within themselves and their own relationships. One couple splits up entirely and another couple teeters on the brink.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR TEENS

• What did you think of Daton's decision to leave? Was he being selfish? Were you surprised Morgan stayed? How do you think she changed after he left? Does their relationship remind you of any of your friends' relationships? How? If you could sit down with both of them together, what advice would you give them?
• Cory and Alicea were frustrated with Sam's behavior but they couldn't do much to control him. How would you have dealt with a teen like Sam? Have you ever acted like he did? What did your parents do about it? Do you think most teens have moments like that?
• Morgan went to work and left Eddie home alone to clean the house and take care of himself. David had to listen to a lot of fighting between Austin and Kelly. What did you learn from this about how parents' relationships affect their kids? How was it different watching it from this vantage point, rather than from your own perspective in your own family?
• Should Austin and Kelly break up for good? What do you think about the way they've been handling themselves? Do you think Austin and Kelly's relationship can survive the pressure of caring for a child? Is one of them being selfish or immature or are both of them at fault for the problems they're having? If you were friends with Kelly what kind of advice would you give her? If Austin was your friend what would you tell him to do?
• Does watching the behavior of these teens make you think about the way you treat your own parents? How so? What impression does this give you about how much responsibility a teen can handle? Does this situation make you feel sympathetic toward the teen couples in the experiment?
• After watching the first 5 episodes of The Baby Borrowers do you feel differently about parenthood? Differently about the importance of pregnancy prevention until you're certain you're ready to be a parent? Which parts of the series so far have had the biggest impact on you?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS

• At the end of the episode Austin and Kelly said they wouldn't be ready to have children of their own for a long, long time. Kelly said it's important to figure out yourself and your own relationship before having a family. Ask your teen what he or she thinks are the most important things to have in place before starting a family. Does his/her answer surprise you? Do you know any teens who think they are ready for parenthood?
• Sam misbehaved almost the entire time he was with Cory and Alicea, and even when his mom came to pick him up. Ask your teen the following questions: Why do you think he was so disrespectful? What did you think of him - were you embarrassed for him or did you think it was funny or did you feel sorry for him or something else? Does he remind you of anyone you know?
• During the museum visit Kelly tried to ask a lot of questions and get others interested because she said it's important for a parent to lead by example. What are some examples you try to set for your own teens? If you teach them about how to have good communication in a relationship, how do you model that yourself? Give examples.

KEY FACTS

• Half of all teens say they've never thought about how a pregnancy might change their lives
• One in three girls in the United States gets pregnant at least once by age 20.
• About half (48%) of high-school age teens are sexually active, but teens often over-estimate this and assume that "everyone is doing it."
• More than half (56%) of teens say they want to hear more about abstinence and contraception.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

For free tips, guides and resources for parents, visit TheNationalCampaign.org and look for our Parent Portal.

Amy Kramer
Senior Manager, Media Program
Tel: 202.478.8517
Email: akramer@thenc.org

Marisa Nightingale
Senior Director, Media Programs and Youth Initiatives
Tel: 202.478.8521
Email: mnightingale@thenc.org

Visit Us Online at:

www.TheNationalCampaign.org
and
www.StayTeen.org