Chance to Choose

CHANCE to Choose Sample Activity Page
this is a facsimile of a page from CHANCE to Choose

PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND PARENTING

73. Reacting to Pregnancy and Parenthood

To consider their reactions to pregnancy and parenthood; and the reactions of others.

A table and chairs; a large clear space; comfortable chairs, mats or beanbags; and a copy of the Guided Imagery (see next page [scroll down]).

Ask the group to imagine they are pregnant, or that their girlfriend is pregnant. What would their reaction be?

It will be important to be sensitive to the fact that there may be people in the group who identify as gay or lesbian. You might want to talk about this possibility, and modify the activity to be about 'having a baby' which is increasingly an option for gay or lesbian couples, through fostering, adoption, artificial insemination or surrogacy.

Suggest to the group that they take part in a guided imagery. Ask the group to get into a comfortable position – this might be on the floor or on a chair – and to close their eyes. You are going to help them relax and allow their imaginations to wander.

Take them through a short breathing and relaxation exercise (see activity 36) in preparation for the guided imagery. When they are ready, read slowly and quietly. Do not rush them. Allow plenty of silence between sections.

Ask them to share, either in pairs or in the group if it is small, what they choose of their imagery. Then discuss with them:

	have they learned anything about themselves and pregnancy?
	have they learned anything about the responses of others?
	have they identified someone they could talk to if they (or a girlfriend) were pregnant?

	30. Important People 44. Parents and Carers

	We are going to imagine that you are pregnant (or that your girlfriend is pregnant). Spend a moment or two thinking about that ............ how do you feel? ............. are you pleased? ............. horrified? .............maybe you have mixed feelings? .............. what is your first thought? You will have to tell some people ............. think of two people who will have to know ............. Imagine going to see the first one ............. how do you feel? ............ what are you going to say? .............what are they going to say? ............. how do you think they feel? Imagine going to the second one ............. how do you feel? ............. what are you going to say? ............. how are they going to respond? Now you have told two people ............. how do you feel? .............. is there anyone else you want to tell? ............. is there someone you can turn to for support? ............. who is this? ............. talk to this person.
	WHEN YOU JUDGE THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ENOUGH TIME, CHANGE THE TONE OF YOUR VOICE TO BRING THEM OUT OF THE GUIDED IMAGERY.
	When you are ready, say goodbye ............. come back into this room (name the place where you are working), open your eyes, have a good stretch and sit up slowly.