Beyond Parenthood: Parents’ Lived Experiences Supporting Student-Parents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.07.10.11Keywords:
Challenges, Coping mechanisms, Lived experiences, Parents, Sentiments, Student-parents, Tangub City Global CollegeAbstract
Parents of student-parents experience emotional, social, and financial challenges while supporting their children as they balance academic responsibilities and parenthood. This study explored the sentiments, challenges, coping mechanisms, and suggestions of parents toward their daughter/son who are student-parents at Tangub City Global College. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed, with in-depth interviews conducted among thirty (30) purposively selected parents of student-parents. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and themes in the participants’ accounts. The findings revealed three themes describing parents’ sentiments: Emotional Distress, Parental Acceptance, and Future Aspirations. Parents also identified Financial Struggles, Social Pressure, and Parental Challenges. To manage these difficulties, participants relied on Faith and Prayer, Positive Resilience, and Family Support. For preventing early pregnancy among students, participants emphasized Parental Guidance, Educational Programs, Responsible Decisions, and Reproductive Health Awareness. Overall, the findings highlighted the important role of parents in supporting student-parents emotionally, financially, and morally while helping them continue their education and manage parental responsibilities. The study further underscored the need for family-centered institutional programs, guidance services, and support systems that promote responsible decision-making, educational persistence, and the well-being of student-parents and their families. Verbatim excerpts from the interview transcripts were retained to illustrate the participants’ own voices and to support the interpretation of each theme.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Liam Jay B. Jusoy, Nelgin T. Linggo, Ryiane Fe D. Tangcay, Grace Ann J. Toylo, Bengie Datwin
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