Abstract:This paper draws on two qualitative research projects with teenage parents and examines their use of support groups. It argues that group-based programmes such as the ones discussed here convey particular advantages in providing support for young parents which may not be possible in a one-to-one context. This includes peer learning, the development of friendships as a form of social support and respite. This paper argues however, that for these potentials to be realised, an underpinning ethic of care is requir… Show more
“…These informal strategies and activities provided incidental learning opportunities that were effective, and have been reported elsewhere as more valuable in developing parenting skills compared to formal sessions . A strengths‐based approach that focused on what parents were doing well, and the opportunity to talk with others helped parents to feel reassured and more confident in their parenting, and is consistent with other authors . One facilitator described ‘ picking up positives that someone is doing ’.…”
Section: Resultssupporting
confidence: 65%
“…For many parents, the support within the group had extended to a supportive network outside the program as has been found in other young parent group programs . One parent described her support network:The people in the toddler group… some of the girls there have met up outside of the group.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…30 A strengths-based approach that focused on what parents were doing well, and the opportunity to talk with others helped parents to feel reassured and more confident in their parenting, and is consistent with other authors. 3,4,12,31 One facilitator described "picking up positives that someone is doing". A few of the parents stated they did not want to repeat some of the parenting practices they experienced as children.…”
Section: Building Parent Skills Knowledge Confidence and "Tuning mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Group parenting programs are opportunities for early intervention with young parents (<25 years old). There is some evidence on the benefits for young mothers participating in group programs, such as social support and an improved parent‐child bond. However, the literature does not provide an evaluation of the nexus between the strategies and activities of a group program and the short to medium outcomes through the perspectives of parents and facilitators, which is the focus of this study.…”
Issue addressed
Young parents (<25 years) have lower engagement with health and community services and are more likely to experience negative outcomes in the perinatal period compared to older parents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short to medium‐term outcomes of the Young Parents Program (YPP), specifically designed to engage and support young parents, using responsive and codesign strategies in a community setting.
Methods
A qualitative case study used data from interviews with participating parents (n = 20) and a focus group with YPP facilitators (n = 5).
Results
The findings report on the following short to medium‐term YPP outcomes for parents and children. Young parents: are engaged in early parenting services that are welcoming, nonjudgemental and holistic; build parenting skills, knowledge, confidence and are tuned into their infants’ needs; are empowered to codesign program activities to meet their parenting and nonparenting needs; have developed friendships and a social support network in their local community; and, are linked into community services and resources. Their children are cared for and stimulated with age‐appropriate interactions and play.
Conclusion
Flexible, responsive and codesigned programs for young parents are effective means of connecting parents to services, social support networks and can provide learning opportunities, which enhance both child and parent attachment and development.
So what?
Qualitative evaluation provides an understanding of contextual factors – required to inform effective design and delivery of young parent community programs.
“…These informal strategies and activities provided incidental learning opportunities that were effective, and have been reported elsewhere as more valuable in developing parenting skills compared to formal sessions . A strengths‐based approach that focused on what parents were doing well, and the opportunity to talk with others helped parents to feel reassured and more confident in their parenting, and is consistent with other authors . One facilitator described ‘ picking up positives that someone is doing ’.…”
Section: Resultssupporting
confidence: 65%
“…For many parents, the support within the group had extended to a supportive network outside the program as has been found in other young parent group programs . One parent described her support network:The people in the toddler group… some of the girls there have met up outside of the group.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…30 A strengths-based approach that focused on what parents were doing well, and the opportunity to talk with others helped parents to feel reassured and more confident in their parenting, and is consistent with other authors. 3,4,12,31 One facilitator described "picking up positives that someone is doing". A few of the parents stated they did not want to repeat some of the parenting practices they experienced as children.…”
Section: Building Parent Skills Knowledge Confidence and "Tuning mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Group parenting programs are opportunities for early intervention with young parents (<25 years old). There is some evidence on the benefits for young mothers participating in group programs, such as social support and an improved parent‐child bond. However, the literature does not provide an evaluation of the nexus between the strategies and activities of a group program and the short to medium outcomes through the perspectives of parents and facilitators, which is the focus of this study.…”
Issue addressed
Young parents (<25 years) have lower engagement with health and community services and are more likely to experience negative outcomes in the perinatal period compared to older parents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short to medium‐term outcomes of the Young Parents Program (YPP), specifically designed to engage and support young parents, using responsive and codesign strategies in a community setting.
Methods
A qualitative case study used data from interviews with participating parents (n = 20) and a focus group with YPP facilitators (n = 5).
Results
The findings report on the following short to medium‐term YPP outcomes for parents and children. Young parents: are engaged in early parenting services that are welcoming, nonjudgemental and holistic; build parenting skills, knowledge, confidence and are tuned into their infants’ needs; are empowered to codesign program activities to meet their parenting and nonparenting needs; have developed friendships and a social support network in their local community; and, are linked into community services and resources. Their children are cared for and stimulated with age‐appropriate interactions and play.
Conclusion
Flexible, responsive and codesigned programs for young parents are effective means of connecting parents to services, social support networks and can provide learning opportunities, which enhance both child and parent attachment and development.
So what?
Qualitative evaluation provides an understanding of contextual factors – required to inform effective design and delivery of young parent community programs.
“…We therefore argue that there remains a place for group support in order to nurture friendships and provide social support to buffer young mothers especially when they are not yet ready or able to engage in other ways. Ellis-Sloan (2015) found groups specifically for young parents had the potential to provide a space for friendships and meaningful peer support to develop. Group working can also complement the kind of one-to-one support the YWT calls for.…”
Section: Investing In Friendship and Informal Social Supportmentioning
This article explores links made between teenage mothers and isolation, in particular, the notion of 'relational exclusion ' (Kidger 2004). Political conceptualisations of social exclusion often ignore this aspect and instead focus on the economic dynamics of exclusion. As a consequence, policies aimed at addressing the exclusion of teenage parents often focus on education and employment as solutions. This article argues that friendships are overlooked as a source of potential support. It therefore builds on work which has observed teenage mothers' isolation and loneliness to examine how a teenage pregnancy affects a young woman's friendship networks. It then goes on to expand understanding of how new friendships are formed and the types of support they provide. The article concludes by proposing that social policy has a role in facilitating friendship support through investment, integrating group support with one-to-one methods and tackling stigma.
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