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TEENAGE PARENTHOOD AND CHILD REARING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY TEENAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL MOTHERS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The number of teenagers giving birth each year is staggering. In fact, more than 10% of young mothers are teenagers. The Nigerian birth rate for adolescents is one of the highest in the world and the prevalence among female adolescents in Nigeria of sexually transmitted infection including HIV is climbing rapidly. In an effort to reduce her high pregnancy rate by teenagers including other problems, Nigerians developed a national reproductive health policy in the year 2000 that focuses on preventing risk sexual behaviour during adolescent (national Population Commission) Nigeria demographic and health survey 2004, Abuja Nigeria Commission 2006.

To become a parent, at any given age you have the capacity of generating a life–altering experience. Irrespective of race, education and socio-economic status motherhood and fatherhood both places high demands on one’s life that were not there before the birth of a child. Indeed, becoming a parent comes with several responsibilities, and when people of school ages (students) become parents, the new responsibilities can be very over-whelming and daunting. And for teenage parents that lack the support of their own parent, this experience can be more challenging and horrifying as they crave and seek support in   adult–oriented systems in which even the older parents may find rather difficult to cope. Teenage parents or students with children, as they are usually referred to in some literature, are parents that fall within the age bracket of thirteen (13) and nineteen (19). More often, these students drop out of school due mostly to pressures they experience, which include stigmatization that is limited with early parenting; isolation from their peers; and lack of the necessary support from their family, friends, schools, social service agencies and other organizations. These factors emerge because of the cultural and normative values that teenage pregnancy tends to breach. According to the latest statistics, Nigeria has the highest teenage birth rate in Africa and the Niger Delta region seem to be the highest in the country (Channels Television, 15th July, 2013). To find research materials on this topic, we employed two basic methods which are Education are textbooks and Internet (using the Google search). A variety of terms were used either alone or in combination, and these include teenage parents, teenage pregnancy, student parents,  school–age parents, adolescent parents, school-based child care, pregnancy, student achievement, drop-outs, and graduation. The literature showed through these searches focus more and basically on the educational attainment of adolescent mothers and the means through which the negative consequences of early parenthood can be curbed or reduced. There was no prevalent on adolescent fathers in the literature. This suggests that the negative consequences of early parenthood have more impact on the teenage mothers. Also, the African factor of male chauvinism could be inferred here.  Teenage pregnancies have become a public health issue due to the observed negative impacts on prenatal outcomes and long term morbidity. Also, the unfriendly and uncaring dispositions of nurses and those in the medical institutions and facilities who are supposed to provide care create additional horror and hurdles to the teenage mothers. Furthermore, there are several other socio-economic factors that determine the rate of teenage pregnancies in different countries of the world. In Nigeria and other developing countries, poverty, illiteracy and lack of sex and sexuality education tend to be glaring indicators that determine the rate of teenage pregnancies. In this paper therefore, effort is made to show that there are social and ethical variables that could help provide solution to the problem of teenage pregnancy.

While sexual knowledge is higher among young people put of school sexual experience while in school pay prompt students to acquire sexual knowledge and to move out of school. In Nigeria, pregnancy and motherhood mark the end of school attendance and by 16 years, 21% female adolescent are either pregnant or have given birth. Teenagers face daily pressure from peers, they are exposed to influence of TV movies, the music industry and internet etc unfortunately young ones are too inexperienced to handle the consequences of pregnancy.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The issue of teenage pregnancy presents a significant challenge to the educational development of teenagers in Nigeria. Despite efforts to promote education, the prevalence of teenage pregnancies remains alarming, with far-reaching consequences. The statement of the problem revolves around understanding the multifaceted impacts of teenage pregnancy on educational attainment. teenage pregnancy often leads to school dropout, as pregnant teenagers face societal stigma, lack of support, and sometimes expulsion from school due to policies against pregnant students. This disruption to their education not only hampers their academic progress but also diminishes their prospects for future opportunities. even if teenage mothers attempt to continue their education after giving birth, they face numerous obstacles, including childcare responsibilities, financial constraints, and psychological stress, which impede their ability to fully engage in their studies. Consequently, teenage pregnancy not only jeopardizes the present educational outcomes of teenagers but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for both the young mothers and their children, thus demanding urgent attention and intervention.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine teenage parenthood and child rearing strategies employed by teenage secondary school mothers. Specific objectives include;

1. To explore the child-rearing strategies employed by teenage secondary school mothers.

2. To examine the challenges faced by teenage secondary school mothers in parenting their children.

3. To identify the support systems available to teenage secondary school mothers in managing their parental responsibilities.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What child-rearing strategies do teenage secondary school mothers employ in parenting their children?

2. What are the main challenges experienced by teenage secondary school mothers in raising their children while attending school?

3. What support systems are accessible to teenage secondary school mothers to help them balance their parental responsibilities with their academic pursuits?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. Teenage secondary school mothers employ a variety of child-rearing strategies, including relying on family support, seeking advice from peers, and utilizing community resources.

2. Teenage secondary school mothers face challenges such as time management, financial constraints, and social stigma in parenting their children while pursuing their education.

3. Teenage secondary school mothers who have access to comprehensive support systems, including childcare assistance, educational resources, and counseling services, will demonstrate higher levels of academic success and parental satisfaction compared to those who lack such support.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of studying teenage pregnancy's impact on educational development lies in its profound societal implications. Understanding this link can inform targeted interventions to support affected teens, mitigate dropout rates, and break cycles of poverty. By addressing educational setbacks early, we pave the way for improved socioeconomic outcomes and healthier communities.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study encompasses exploring the multifaceted influences of teenage pregnancy on various aspects of educational development, including academic performance, school attendance, and psychological well-being. Additionally, it seeks to identify potential mitigating factors and intervention strategies to support affected teenagers.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Factors such as cultural differences, socioeconomic disparities, and individual circumstances may affect the generalizability of findings. Additionally, the retrospective nature of some data collection methods and ethical considerations surrounding sensitive topics could influence the depth and accuracy of the study's conclusions.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Teenage Parenthood: Refers to the state or condition of being a parent while still in adolescence, typically between the ages of 13 and 19 years old.

2. Child Rearing: The process of bringing up and nurturing a child from infancy to adulthood, including aspects such as providing physical care, emotional support, and guidance.

3. Secondary School Mothers: Adolescent females who are enrolled in secondary school (high school) and who have become mothers while still attending school.

4. Strategies: Planned actions or methods adopted to achieve a particular goal or address a specific situation, in this case, related to parenting and managing the responsibilities of motherhood while attending secondary school.

5. Employed: Refers to the use or application of particular methods, techniques, or approaches, in this context, referring to the strategies employed by teenage secondary school mothers in managing their roles as parents.

6. Adolescent: Relating to or characteristic of adolescence, the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, typically encompassing the teenage years.

7. Motherhood: The state or experience of being a mother, involving the responsibilities and duties associated with raising and caring for a child.

8. Secondary School: Also known as high school, it refers to the educational institution attended by students typically between the ages of 12 and 18, providing education beyond primary or elementary school and preparing students for higher education or employment.

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