The role of adolescent fathers in parenting and childrearing
Barret, R.L.; Robinson, B.E.
Advances in Adolescent Mental Health 4: 189-200
1990
PMID: 12317623 Document Number: 377941
Many professionals believe teenage fathers' stereotypes such as stud, Don Juan, macho, cool, and absent father, yet data do not support them. Teenage fathers and mothers have known each other for 1-4 years and care for each other; many fathers accompany mothers to prenatal visits. Teenage fathers and mothers do tend to fail as parents, however. Parental interference limits access to their child. Dropping out of school, low income, ignorance of child rearing and child development, and stress that comes with adolescence and with early fatherhood also contribute to parenting failure. Teenage fathers are as ignorant about sex and sexuality as young mothers. For example, about 67% of all sexually active teenagers rarely, if ever, use contraception. 41% do not know that either they could impregnate someone or become pregnant. Research shows that upcoming fatherhood generates stress for teenage fathers. They are concerned about financially supporting the mother and child, completing school, the health and welfare of mother and child, and taking care of the child. Most research indicates that fathers really do want to be involved with the child. Children of teenage fathers who do take part in child rearing and whose mothers have a positive perception of the father's support exhibit better cognitive ability and behavior that in those whose fathers do not contact their children and mothers think negatively of the father's support. Children of teenagers are more likely to be premature, abused, and poor; to die before age 1; have several health problems; develop behavioral/emotional problems; and to become teenage parents. Outreach programs to teenage fathers show that they are very willing to become competent and caring parents. Methods to attract teenage fathers include going to schools and recreational facilities, public service spots on TV, and newspaper interviews with teenage fathers.