NBC's new reality show The Baby Borrowers is billed as a deterrent to teenage pregnancy a kind of "birth control" for teenagers. The premise of the show is honorable. The producers want to show teens that parenthood is far from being a picnic. Of course, this goal is in addition to providing an entertaining show for the viewing audience and getting high ratings. However, after watching portions of the premiere episode last week, I can see how this show could (and rightfully so) discourage anyone at any age from wanting to have children. And that's where it may reveal a little hypocrisy in the conventional wisdom.
I bet many of the people who would nod with approval at the concept of this show are some the same ones who are now bugging their 30-something, married, and childless sons and daughters to give them grandchildren. They fail to take into account the possibility that their children, though having long since left their teen years, might be putting off parenthood (or passing it up completely) to avoid many of the potential trials and tribulations depicted in The Baby Borrowers.
Do we really believe that the problems and frustrations that come with rearing children suddenly disappear with additional years, higher education, and the onset of maturity? Are we that nave? We need to start acknowledging the fact that, although naturally more difficult for immature teens, being a parent is no easy job for anyone. It's not for everyone and should only be entered into with a clear understanding of what lies ahead. It's a multiyear commitment that should be taken on only by couples who possess the wherewithal, patience, and aspiration to raise children effectively and guide them toward becoming productive adults.
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