It's not Home Ec any more

When I went to high school (late 60's), I took a Home Economics class - Home Ec for short.   Topics covered from balancing a checkbook, to efficient grocery shopping, sewing, and of course menu planning and cooking.  Today my neighbor asked if I could pick up her daughter at school because she (the daughter) was worried about transporting her child safely on the bus.  I wasn't sure how to answer, because my mind was saying - what the hell did I miss?  Her daughter is only 13 and wasn't pregnant when I saw her just before Christmas, but, ya never know.  My neighbor must have figured out why I was hesitating and started laughing.

It turns out her daughter is taking a 21st century version of Home Ec under what is called the Family and Consumer Services Department - doesn't quite have that Home Ec ring to it, does it? The course she is taking is Chilld Development I (the Food and Nutrition course didn't interest her).   As an assignment, she is caring for a "baby" - a special doll - this weekend.   She could select either boy or girl.  The baby comes with clothes, diapers, safety carrier and built-in electronic  sensors and sounds.  Yes, they are expensive dolls (about $500) so the students pay $15 for this course.

As she juggled getting out of the back of my car with her book bag, diaper bag, purse and baby in it's carrier - a couple of things fell to the floor.  She looked a little panicked.  It turns out that one of the built-in sensors knows and records if the baby is dropped. Other sensors determine feeding, changing, etc.  They are programmed to be"normal" or "fussy" and have outright crying, screaming jags, as only babies can.   And the programming is for a 24 hour day, so, yes, they wake up and need feeding at night like most any newborn.

All I can say is, she's got a looooong weekend ahead of her.  And if this is how we're teaching kids to put off having babies any time soon, well - I kinda like it.  Maybe it should be mandatory for EVERY high school freshman.