Kizzy - Sex, Prams and Exams
BBC3 Documentary Continues The Story of Teenage Mum Kizzy Neal
Jan 21, 2009
Following on from the first programme, Kizzy - Mum at 14, the show recaps events so far, including Kizzy’s long, painful labour and the birth of baby Kaylib. Unlike many teenage mums who never complete their education, Kizzy was determined to return to school to sit her GCSEs. Her parents, while not thrilled with Kizzy’s situation, continue to be supportive, and obviously dote on Kaylib.
Still Going Strong With Her Boyfriend
No mention is made of the baby’s father Louie, who was also 13 when Kizzy became pregnant and left Torbay shortly afterwards – presumably Kizzy is no longer in contact with him. She has been with her current boyfriend, Michael Round, for over a year now, and it is clear they are becoming closer as a family. “Michael’s always loved Kaylib, always. And he’s really supportive. He’d do anything for Kaylib, you can tell he loves him.” Never having met his real father himself, Michael can easily identify with Kaylib’s circumstances.
Now 16, Kizzy is much more relaxed and confident about motherhood, and for a young girl who has had to grow up fast, still displays a commendable lack of self-pity. As she points out, “Sociologists stereotype single mums as not working, don’t provide for their family, themselves, live in a one-bedroom council flat. I’m not like that.” Having passed her GCSEs she plans to go to college full-time, has a weekend job working in a local chippie, and with the help of the Care to Learn scheme, will put Kaylib into a nursery so he can socialise with other children.
What Price Freedom?
Kizzy has also reached the stage that many a parent of teenagers will recognise all too clearly – wanting to be independent. Which in her case is not staying out later or picking out her own clothes, but leaving home, to show her parents she can cope perfectly well with Kaylib by herself. Kizzy’s father Kevin has to tread a very fine line between assuring her she is a good mother, but at the same time pointing out the harsh realities of moving out, such as bills to pay and the loss of free, live-in babysitters if she wants to go out occasionally. In the end Kizzy and Michael visit a teen drop-in centre for advice on housing options, and she decides to remain at home, at least while she’s going to college.
As most teens these days seem to be labelled either a trouble-making hoodie or a binge-drinking ladette, Kizzy: Sex, Prams and Exams provides a refreshingly honest portrait of a girl who refuses to treat her baby as a mistake that has ruined her life. Producer/Director Chris Alcock simply lets Kizzy Neal tell her own story, warts and all, and leaves it to the viewers to judge if she is succeeding in building a life for herself and Kaylib. Could this be one tale of teenage pregnancy that ends happily?
