Dual experiences of teenage parenting and homelessness among Native Hawaiian youth: A critical interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Teenage parenting is a challenging venture—particularly when parenting while homeless. The present study explores in‐depth through case‐based analysis the lived experiences of three young homeless and parenting teens (one mother and two fathers). It is the first known study of teenage parenting and homelessness among Native Hawaiian youth, a key affected population. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of participants' individual interviews revealed three themes that characterize the experience of parenting as a teen while homeless: (a) They never raised me up (childhood experiences); (b) becoming mommy and daddy (early experiences of teen pregnancy and parenting while homeless); and (c) finding our place (current experiences of teen parenting and perspectives on teen pregnancy and homelessness). Implications for direct practice, social policy, and future research are discussed in the context of this complex reality.

Pregnancy and parenting support for youth experiencing homelessness

“…However, YEH did not regret having children and desired to provide better circumstances for their children. This finding aligns with previous research suggesting that YEH has a continued commitment to the parental role (Aparicio et al., 2018; McNeil Smith et al., 2015). Seizing pregnancy and parenting as an opportunity to leverage engagement in care by providing adequate and readily accessible resources may facilitate adjustment to the parenting role.…”

“…Further complicating adjustment to the parenting role is a lack of family support. Parenting YEH faces abandonment, loss of safety, and absence of primary attachment figures (Aparicio et al., 2018). While homeless mothers perceived lower stress with social support from family and co‐parents (Lucke et al., 2021), those with traumatic childhood experiences and no supportive parental relationship doubted their ability to form warm, caring relationships with their children (Scappaticci & Blay, 2009).…”

“…Despite these challenges, YEH values their parenting role and perceives pregnancy/parenting as a catalyst for change (McGeough et al, 2020). In a qualitative study, parenting YEH was committed to staying with their partners to co‐parent and expressed great love for their children and hope for a better future (Aparicio et al., 2018). Additionally, young adult parents report being motivated to manage their mood disorders to better provide for their children (Narendorf et al., 2013).…”

“…Further complicating adjustment to the parenting role is a lack of family support. Parenting YEH faces abandonment, loss of safety, and absence of primary attachment figures (Aparicio et al, 2018).…”

‘I just want my parenting to be able to be better than what it is’: A qualitative exploration of parenting strengths and needs of mothers experiencing homelessness

“…In contrast to quantitative studies that have examined differences between parents who are stably housed and those experiencing homelessness, qualitative studies tend to provide evidence of parenting strengths (Anthony et al, 2018; Aparicio et al, 2019) and illuminate the type of support parents experiencing homelessness need but aren't receiving due to limitations or barriers within the homelessness service system (Shinn et al, 2017). For example, parents interviewed by Mayberry et al (2014) reported using creative and proactive approaches to maintain their family routines and positive relationships with their children despite living in shelters.…”