GEHS offers parenting classes that offer a realistic experience of the demands of parenthood. One assignment uses copyrighted RealCare Baby 4 infant simulators that students take home for 24 hours. The students are graded based on caring for the computerized dolls that cry, burp, sleep, eat, and even require diaper changes.

Since it is unusual for a teenager to have to take care of anyone but themselves, it is interesting to get a look at students’ experiences. Some Spartans disliked the experience more than others.

“The baby was very annoying, and I’m happy that it’s gone,” sophomore Briley Baker said. “The reason I didn’t like it was because it was hungry almost every second of the day.”

A common complaint was the baby crying.

“I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it also wasn’t super hard,” sophomore Casey Yates said. “My favorite part was when it was quiet, and my least favorite part was when it would unexpectedly cry while I was doing things.”

Even though some aspects of the infant simulators were annoying, there were many students who enjoyed taking care of their “baby,” such as sophomore Calla Fauber.

“I liked the baby because it was easy and fun. I enjoyed taking it places with my friends. It was a super interesting experience.”

Mrs. Haynes is the parenting teacher. “I think that [caring for the robots] makes students think about how difficult it is to have a baby and how it would be a hindrance to their life at this time.”

Overall, Parenting is a fun and educational class to take if you are interested in learning more about babies, what it takes to be a parent, healthy relationships, and so much more.