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Abstract

While research has focused on the challenges of parenting children of toddler or preschool age, or of children with specific conditions, there is a paucity of research exploring parents’ experiences of the challenges of parenting early adolescents. This research explored mothers’ experience of the challenges in parenting their early adolescent children. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight mothers indicate that the mothers experienced early adolescence as a period of significant change and challenge for their children and themselves. They framed “good” mothers as those who actively supported their children, prioritized their children’s needs over their own, and disguised their negative emotions. Mothers reported feelings of guilt and failure at falling below perceived parenting standards. Lack of partner and school support and understanding and time constraints were identified as exacerbating factors. This research contributes to a greater understanding of mothering experiences and offers important implications for the support of adolescents and their mothers.

Keywords

parenting stress early adolescence middle school intermediate school good parenting

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Challenges of Parenting Early Adolescents

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