Boys get a close look at fatherhood

Photo: BEN WATSON

TAKING A WALK: Rosmini College student Travers Rinkin, 16, helps out Phoenix Simcox, 16 months with a bit of a walk during a plunket course at the school.

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Teenage boys are learning a thing or two about fatherhood at Rosmini College.

The year 12 students are taking part in a Plunket tots and toddlers course as part of their NCEA studies.

Director of religious education Steve Mills says it is just as important for boys to learn about parenting as it is for girls. They need to know it is a team effort to raise a child.

"Society to some extent still expects women to be the ones to care for children and that needs to change," says Mr Mills.

The course includes written work as well as practical elements like playing with toddlers and asking the parents questions about raising children.

Mr Mills says a lot of the students become more aware of how much hard work it is to raise a child.

"It is such a big job and responsibility although it is a wonderful experience," he says.

Student Jordan Norton says he is more appreciative of what his parents have done for him, although he does not think he will be having children any time soon.

"I now know it’s a 24-hour job," says Jordan.

Student Chaim Reyno says he really enjoyed the course and looks forward to having children.

He says it is really important to learn these skills because some teenage boys can become fathers early in life and do not know how to look after babies.

"It makes me want to have children. They are really cuddly and like to play," he says.

Their teacher Mr Mills says it is great that the boys make decisions based on the skills they have learnt from the programme and that they have different ideas of what they want in the future.

- © Fairfax NZ News