Kansas City has launched an innovative program aimed at helping teen fathers navigate the complexities of parenthood. The new initiative, called Dad Prep Academy, provides guidance, encouragement, and practical advice for young men facing the challenges of fatherhood.
At DeLaSalle High School in Kansas City, 19-year-old Tyreque Carter held his 2-month-old son, Tymere, while chatting with another soon-to-be father about ultrasound photos and baby names. It was a casual, supportive setting, but behind the laughter and shared experiences, a serious effort was underway to equip these young men with the tools they need to succeed as parents.
Addressing the Need for Teen Father Support
Teen fathers, like Tyreque, face unique challenges. While teen pregnancy rates in Missouri have been trending down, Kansas City still has one of the highest rates of pregnancies among teens aged 15 to 17. These young men often struggle with the pressure of balancing school, work, and fatherhood, but without the right support, they risk falling behind in all areas.
James Hogue, a longtime educator and founder of the Dad Prep Academy, believes in the potential of these young fathers. His goal is to show them that fatherhood is not a barrier to their success but an opportunity for growth. “Just because an experience is difficult or tough doesn’t mean it’s not good,” he tells the group of teen dads, reminding them that their journey is a process of personal development.
The Story Behind the Program
Hogue’s journey into fatherhood support began after his own life took an unexpected turn. Two years ago, he left his role as an assistant principal to start Fathers Assisting Mothers Inc., a nonprofit that trains men in doula practices to better support their partners during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. But Hogue’s passion for helping teen dads grew when he realized how few programs were dedicated to supporting young fathers.
“It’s about making sure they realize their life doesn’t stop just because they’re a teen father,” Hogue explains. Through Dad Prep Academy, he provides the tools and mentorship these fathers need to step up and be active participants in their children’s lives, despite their age.
The program’s foundation is rooted in Hogue’s experience with his own family. After a difficult pregnancy with his wife, Shunquita, and an unexpected hospital birth due to preeclampsia, Hogue became passionate about supporting fathers during the birth process. His experience led him to doula training, which he now uses to teach expectant fathers the skills they need to be supportive partners.
A Holistic Approach to Parenting
Dad Prep Academy takes a comprehensive approach to preparing teen fathers for all aspects of fatherhood. Each session is designed to cover a wide range of topics—from diaper rashes to fevers and RSV, to managing stress and maintaining healthy relationships. On a recent Thursday, Hogue and his wife Shunquita led a session discussing common baby ailments, offering advice on everything from infant care to managing the emotional challenges of parenthood.
The academy is designed not just as a classroom experience but as a space where young fathers can connect with others who share their experiences. During a recent meeting, the group sat in a half circle, exchanging stories and offering support. The casual, open environment encourages teens to feel comfortable and ask questions they might not be able to ask elsewhere.
Key Topics Covered in Dad Prep Academy
- Infant care basics: Diaper changes, feeding routines, and baby health.
- Coping with sleep deprivation and emotional strain.
- Building a support network of family, friends, and mentors.
- Financial planning and budgeting for new parents.
- Relationship advice for young fathers and their partners.
While the program is still in its pilot phase, Hogue hopes to expand it to other schools in the region and eventually across the state. By reaching out to these young fathers early, the academy provides them with the resources and confidence they need to thrive as parents, rather than feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
A Growing Movement to Support Young Fathers
James Hogue’s work with Dad Prep Academy is part of a larger movement to address the specific needs of young fathers. In Missouri, a growing number of organizations are focusing on supporting teen fathers, providing mentorship, education, and hands-on training to help them succeed. But the need is still significant, and more efforts are needed to ensure that these young men have the resources they need to be effective fathers and responsible adults.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services notes that Kansas City continues to have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state, which means there is a constant demand for support services aimed at young parents. The success of programs like Dad Prep Academy could play a crucial role in lowering these rates and ensuring that teen dads are not left behind.
As the program continues to grow, it is clear that the approach taken by Dad Prep Academy is making a real difference. With programs like this, teen dads in Kansas City are not just surviving fatherhood—they’re being empowered to thrive.
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