So I am a social worker for our city’s child welfare system. I don’t investigate child abuse allegations; I basically sit in my cubicle and write policies for our agency. Right now I am working on a policy about how we provide sexual and reproductive health care to youth in foster care. As a part of this assignment I conducted a focus group yesterday with young women in foster care who have a child (or children) or are currently pregnant.
While I think we can all agree that being a teen mom in foster care is not ideal for either the mom or the baby, I had a moment yesterday (and I am ashamed to admit this) when I thought, “you are all so lucky.” If that isn’t f*ed up I don’t know what is- I was jealous of teen moms in foster care. Wow.
I hope we get good news on Friday.
5 responses so far ↓
reproducinggenius // May 14, 2008 at 1:38 pm |
Oh hell, I know this feeling. My sister is knocked up with a loser jobless boyfriend who steals her food money for beer and cigarettes. She’s on welfare. And yet, J and I are so jealous of her. What IS that? I sure as hell don’t want her life. It’s so frustrating.
So you’re not alone. Nope. Many of us get crazy jealous of anyone who has a baby, even when their circumstances are those which we would never want.
Travelher // May 14, 2008 at 3:29 pm |
My teenage niece got pregnant accidentally and has the most beautiful 2 year old. It’s hard not to be jealous even though I’d never want to be her.
You’re not alone.
mrsbluemont // May 14, 2008 at 4:58 pm |
I have a young cousin that got pregnant this year and she told me she had an abortion by motioning with her finger drawn across her throat.
I am 100% pro-life and support my cousin’s decision, but at the moment, I thought I would vomit all over her in rage. How could she be pregnant that easily and be so nonchalant about it all? Did she have any idea how hard it could be years down the line?
It’s a terrible feeling. I’m so sorry you had your moment. All crossed for Friday. xoox
inlocoparentis // May 15, 2008 at 7:59 am |
My nephew’s girlfriend is pregnant and due on the same day we were. She is 19, she smokes, and she works is a plastics factory. They have another son who is almost three who they can’t be bothered with, but they wanted a girl. They won’t get married because it’s too much committment. Yeah, I’m mad jealous of their pregnancy. It’s a crazy place to be.
j. k-c. // May 15, 2008 at 4:23 pm |
I’m a social worker too….and I get mad at my teenaged and drug addicted pregnant clients…I go to that “it’s not fair” place. I try not to stay there too long though.