Adolescent Parenting: A Positive,Intergenerational Approach

Abstract

The authors studied adolescent parents' confidence in various parenting situations, support systems, and areas of assistance that would enhance their competence in handling the daily stresses of parenthood. Mothers of adolescent parents were also asked to share their views regarding these issues. Although the majority of adolescent parents reported feeling confident in their parenting roles, all were receptive to formal and informal assistance, including help with decision making, obtaining employment, budgeting, and emotional support from friends and family. Mothers of adolescent parents reported that they were confident in their child's parenting abilities but believed that further assistance would enhance their child's competence as a parent. The implications of these intergenerational findings are discussed.

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