Teen Parenting

Some studies of physical abuse, in particular, reveal that teenage mothers exhibit higher rates of child abuse than older mothers do. Other factors such as lower economic status, lack of social support, and high stress levels contribute to the link between young parents and child abuse.

For Young Parents
Sexual Health Initiatives For Teens
Shares information on the education and medical rights of pregnant and parenting teens currently in school. The resource also offers information on where teen parents can access support resources such as, finding child care, finding support groups, financial benefits, and recommendations to stay healthy.

Intergenerational Transmission of Maladaptive Parenting Strategies in Families of Adolescent Mothers: Effects from Grandmothers to Young Children

Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44(8)

View Abstract

Examines whether adolescent mothers’ potential for abuse and punitive discipline is dependent on generational maternal parenting experiences.

Parenting
Livestrong.com
Provides age-specific resources designed to equip parents to develop their children’s emotional, physical, and mental health.

A Population-Level and Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Mothers and Intergenerational Maltreatment
Putnam-Hornstein, Cederbaum, King, Eastman, & Trickett (2015)
American Journal of Epidemiology, 181(7)
Discusses rates of child maltreatment among young mothers with histories of abuse.

Promoting Protective Factors for Pregnant and Parenting Teens: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability View
Download (PDF - 242KB)
Order bound (Free)
Year Published 2015
Presents information from a review of current research on specific protective factors that carry moderate or strong association with improved well-being for pregnant and parenting teens. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of teens who are pregnant and/or parenting; how parents, guardians, friends, and others can contribute to the well-being of these teens; creating supportive communities; and strategies for practitioners. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Teen Parents
Healthychildren.org
Provides practical guidance for preparing teenage parents to care for their children.

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