Issues and Strategies Involved in Helping Homeless Parents of Young Children Strengthen Their Self-Esteem

Abstract

Homeless parents of young children face many stressors that erode their self-esteem. This article articulates these stressors and how they negatively impact homeless parents and their children. Strategies for helping parents empower themselves and their children are explained.

ReachingAllFamilies: Family, School, and Community Partnerships Amid Homelessness and High Mobility in an Urban District

“…Although there is a dearth of research on homelessness and parenting (Gewirtz et al, 2009), the extant literature suggests that HHM parents often feel depressed, have weak social supports, and lack positive parenting role models (Bassuk et al, 1996; Howard et al, 2009; Hausman & Hammen, 1993; Swick, 2009). HHM parents are often forced to parent in public, commonly confront negative stereotypes about their parenting, and may feel a general loss of control over their parenting (Bassuk et al, 1996; Boxill & Beaty, 1990; David et al, 2012; Hausman & Hammen, 1993; Howard et al, 2009; Lindsey, 1998; Miller, 2015; Paquette & Bassuk, 2009; Swick, 2009). Based on their past experiences and educational level, HHM parents may also feel uncomfortable at school or have little confidence in their ability to help with academic matters (Paquette & Bassuk, 2009; Swick & Bailey, 2004).…”

“…In response, scholars have recommended a number of strategies to working with HHM families. These include providing access to parenting and content knowledge classes (Murphy & Tobin, 2011; Stronge & Hudson, 1999; Swick, 2009; Tobin & Murphy, 2013), connecting families to community resources (Grothaus et al, 2011; Groton et al, 2013; Miller, 2015; Murphy & Tobin, 2011), creating a nurturing school climate (Stronge & Hudson, 1999; Tobin & Murphy, 2013), encouraging coordinated action between schools and communities (Miller, 2009), challenging biases and stereotypes (Grothaus et al, 2011; C. M. Shields & Warke, 2010), learning about HHM families’ needs and assets (Grothaus et al, 2011; Groton et al, 2013; C.…”

Transforming Teacher Constructs of Children and Families Who Are Homeless

“…Another teacher who helped at a local food pantry commented that she had very little insight into just how many children experience hunger. Thus, these teachers were able to gain more insight into the basic needs of families and how these unmet needs can become barriers to school success (Swick 1996(Swick , 2009.…”

“…The way that teachers perceive and relate to children is based on their experiences within and across varied settings (Hatch 1995;Swick 1996Swick , 2009. For example, Swick (1996) noted that some teachers have negative perceptions of homeless families because their experiences were very limited and often influenced by stereotypical and/or distorted images (Milenkiewicz 2005).…”