A program in Kansas City provides guidance for teen fathers, highlighting the need for support

Tyreque Carter celebrated with another soon-to-be teen father during a gender reveal party. Holding his 2-month-old son, who was dressed in a cute Christmas onesie, Tyreque expressed his congratulations as they discovered that it would be a girl.

As they chatted about ultrasound photos and dirty diapers, several students at DeLaSalle High School in Kansas City filed into their seats.

A cohort of teenagers, consisting of five individuals who have babies aged 2 to 12 months, along with two expectant fathers, are participating in Dad Prep Academy.

This program, which was introduced in the autumn, seeks to provide comprehensive preparation for these young men as they navigate the challenges and responsibilities of fatherhood.

James Hogue, the program’s founder and a seasoned educator, emphasized to the group of teens that a challenging or tough experience should not be dismissed as negative.

He encouraged them to recognize that such experiences have the potential to shape and strengthen them, helping them grow into better individuals.

Two years ago, Hogue made the decision to leave his position as an assistant principal in order to establish Fathers Assisting Mothers Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training men in doula practices.

The main objective of the organization is to equip these men with the necessary skills to provide optimal support to their partners throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, despite a decline in teen pregnancy rates throughout the state, Kansas City still experiences one of the highest rates of pregnancy among teenagers aged 15 to 17 in Missouri.

According to Hogue, it is crucial to recognize the immense potential that these young men possess. Unfortunately, not many programs are adequately addressing their needs. The primary objective is to ensure that they understand that their lives are not limited just because they are teenage fathers.

Before establishing his nonprofit organization, Fathers Assisting Mothers Inc, in 2022, Hogue worked as an assistant principal, bringing him back to his educational roots.

Two years prior to becoming a father, James Hogue’s curiosity in the connection between education and fatherhood was sparked. This occurred when his wife, Shunquita Hogue, developed preeclampsia, forcing them to abandon their plans for a natural home birth.

Recognizing the invaluable assistance provided by their doula during the transition to a hospital birth, James Hogue made the decision to undergo doula training himself.

He now applies his expertise to instructing soon-to-be fathers on becoming the primary support for their partners throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

This is achieved through immersive boot camps and personalized coaching sessions, where he covers essential topics like assembling a competent birth team.

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However, Hogue has a different vision for the teen program. He aspires to expand it to multiple schools across the region and even the state in the future.

Recently, Hogue and his wife took the opportunity to engage with the teenagers and discuss a wide range of topics, including diaper rashes, stuffy noses, fevers, and RSV.

Shunquita Hogue, a nurse, provided them with answers to their inquiries regarding how to navigate through outdated medical advice from older generations and make informed decisions about vaccinations.

The curriculum focuses on various aspects such as prenatal health, postpartum care, early childhood development, and financial and career planning.

However, Hogue also emphasizes the emotional journey of parenthood, creating a safe space for the teens to mourn the life they had envisioned before.

“You’re still a young man, in the midst of growth and development, but you must also recognize that your choices have led to a shift in your mannerisms and the carefree spirit of youth,” Hogue explained. “It’s time to mature and take on more responsibility.”

During the previous class, two teenagers engaged in an argument concerning a female student. Positioned in front of the group, with Hogue and two other mentors by their side, the teenagers successfully navigate through the challenging situation.

James Smith, the director of student life at DeLaSalle and one of the mentors at Dad Prep Academy, expressed a sense of relief as he witnessed the two young fathers engaging in a constructive conversation to resolve their conflict within a safe and supportive environment. This dialogue not only prevented a potentially explosive confrontation but also provided an opportunity for personal growth and understanding.

Navigating interpersonal relationships can be a challenge for teenagers, especially when they have a baby to care for. This program is particularly valuable in addressing the issues that student parents face, such as decreased attendance and lower grades, according to Smith.

However, he envisions that the impact of this initiative will go beyond its immediate scope.

Smith emphasized the importance of stabilizing fathers in their homes to foster healthy relationships that can serve as positive examples for their children.

Carter, a participant in the program, joined two weeks after the birth of his son.

Unlike some of his peers who grew up helping care for younger siblings, the 19-year-old admitted that he didn’t have much experience around babies before his child’s birth.

Carter expressed how this class helped him realize that it is completely acceptable to be unsure of what you’re doing. He emphasized that feeling confused, stressed, and worried is perfectly normal.

Over the past two months, the class has assisted him in establishing his own identity as a father and acquiring the necessary skills to provide better support to the mother of his child.

“Dads like Carter believe that communities like this serve as a reminder that they are not clueless when it comes to parenting. Instead, it is about actively embracing a supportive role, displaying commitment, and being an integral part of their families.”

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