Flour Baby Project: Student Insights on Responsibility and Parenting!
This year, Leonia High School seniors were introduced the annual flour baby project, which has prompted a range of reactions among students. The project aims to give seniors a taste of the responsibilities involved in parenting, but it has also generated some interesting discussions about its impact on their daily lives and perspectives.
Gym Teachers opinions on the flour baby project were varied regarding its impact on their understanding of responsibility and daily life.
According to PE teacher Mr. Cimo, “It gives them a glimpse of having to be responsible for something else.”
Ms. Nufrio, another member of the Phys Ed. Department, adds, “They’re no longer just concerned about themselves; they have to be responsible for their own little baby.”
Mr. Scoppa, also in the Phys. Ed. Department, comments, “I think it gives them the first tiny taste of what it takes to be a parent. Kids don’t take it seriously, but they get an idea of what it’s like to be responsible for something besides themselves.”
When discussing changes in student behavior, Ms. McDermott, a veteran PE teacher mentions, “Students dress them and put faces on them; they carry them all day.”
Ms. Nufrio has noticed that “they seem more annoyed [overall],” and Mr. Scoppa added, “A couple are a bit more cautious and aware that they need to have something with them at all times.”
Teachers also identified challenges students face with the project. Ms. McDermott emphasizes that “they need to remember it, that’s the biggest challenge.” Ms. Nufrio points out that “they forget it, they don’t take it seriously.”
On whether the project helps students appreciate the real-life responsibilities of parenting, Mr. Cimo feels “no project can do that, but it’s a start.” Ms. McDermott reflects on the financial aspect, stating, “Seeing how much it costs to set up your home and prepare for a baby is a little bit of an eye opener.” Ms. Nufrio believes, “It helps them grasp the concept that when or if they have a baby, that’s their number one responsibility.” Mr. Scoppa agrees, saying, “To some extent, yes, because some do treat it like it is their baby. It gives them some sense of responsibility.”
Specific skills learned from the project include responsibility and selflessness. Ms. Nufrio emphasizes “responsibility, selflessness,” while Mr. Scoppa notes, “It teaches them to always be aware of something; it’s easy to forget, but when you have it, you need to have it on your mind.”
Student opinions on the flour baby project were varied about whether carrying around the flour baby affected their daily routine and school life.
Senior Joshua Yi acknowledged, “Yes, it is another responsibility to worry about besides your own self.”
“Carrying around the baby was stressful,” said senior Anthony Goodwine, “I had to always remember not to forget it, and holding it was annoying if I had food or my computer in the other hand.”
According to Samantha Giangarra ’25, “It’s really heavy, so carrying it around is difficult and it often gets in my way when I’m trying to do things and getting from class to class.”
Malachi Williams ‘25, however, shares a different viewpoint: “It has not affected me whatsoever.”
The same students also reflected on the lessons learned about the cost and effort of raising a baby.
Joshua remarked, “It’s something I would never do unless I had the money for it; I wouldn’t want to be financially in debt.”
Samantha echoed this sentiment, stating, “I learned that having a baby is a major financial and mental responsibility.”
Anthony Goodwine, “The cost of raising a baby is way more expensive than someone would normally think.”
Funny and challenging moments have also been part of the experience.
Malachi Williams shared, “It’s upsetting that we live in a world where other kids beat up flour babies.”
Anthony Goodwine recounted, “My funniest moment was leaving it on the stairs and having my dad bring it to school before class.”
Samantha Giangarra admitted, “Sometimes I would drop the baby and have to pick it up in the hallways.”
The project has also sparked discussions about how students manage their responsibilities.
Joshua Yi explained, “I made a schedule throughout my day and made time for it; it’s one of my main priorities now.”
Malachi Williams stated, “I keep it in my locker and take it out when I have to see that teacher.”
Anthony Goodwine said, “I managed to take care of the baby while doing other priorities by keeping him beside me at all times.”
Samantha Giangarra added, “I usually make sure I always have the baby and try to be responsible while also doing my schoolwork.”
Student opinions on the parenting project varied in how it influenced their perspectives on responsibility.
Joshua Yi reflected, “It’s made me realize the decisions I make are very important and before I make any decision I must think of the consequences, as they can shift my priorities and distract me from my true goals.”
Malachi Williams had a different take, stating, “No, not even in the slightest because I knew it wasn’t real. I had no intentions of treating it like a real human being; it’s just a grade.”
Anthony Goodwine shared, “This project showed me that parenting is no joke and that raising a baby can be stressful at points.”
Samantha Giangarra added, “I think it has changed my perspective because it has shown me the reality of having a baby.”
For underclassmen, the project has sparked curiosity.
Junior Anabella Garcia shared, “It’s funny because all the seniors are going around carrying babies and they get attacked. I like how they decorate them and how they don’t really care; it’s a joke.”
When asked about participating in the project in the future, she said, “Yes, I’m excited because I want to decorate it, but I’m not excited to carry it around because it’s heavy and I might lose it.”
As the seniors navigate this unique challenge, their insights into responsibility and parenting provide valuable perspectives that can inform future projects and initiatives within the school.
