Fathering at a Young Age: Lived Experiences of Teenaged Fathers Who Raise Their Children

The lived experiences of teenage fathers are often untapped because these fathers are not easily discoverable and observable. Related literatures frequently depict their lives as an attachment to teenage mothers and is repeatedly displayed in a negative light. Hence, this research delved deeper and examined teenage fathers who live with and raise their children. Using a phenomenological approach as a research method, this study explored the meanings and essences of their lives to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. It also studied their identity crises and the transition to a complete understanding of themselves. This study followed the lives of five teenage fathers who impregnated their partners when they were fifteen to nineteen years old and chose to take responsibility with their child. As of the interview, these teenage fathers are eighteen to twenty-four years old. The findings revealed that the lived experiences of the selected teenage fathers transitioned from being teenagers to a version of fatherhood, where they believed in a concept of being a father that is solely focused on the life of their child and family. With the element of time and endless support of family and loved ones, they were able to adjust and embrace the identity of being a teenage father. It is an identity that knows how to prioritize and realize that being a teenager and a father at the same time is not the end, but a door that will allow them to know who they are as a person and extract these qualities for their own and their family's betterment. In conclusion, by uncovering the essences of their lived experiences, this research challenges prevailing narratives that are often limited to statistical data and instead emphasizes the importance of understanding their emotional, psychological, and relational journeys. In practice, these findings underscore the need for more inclusive and father-sensitive counseling programs, school-based interventions, and community support systems that recognize teenage fathers not as incongruities but as capable individuals undergoing complex identity formation. In addition, to dismantle stigma and foster environments where these young men can thrive both as individuals and as parents, it is recommended to encourage teen fathers to build a strong support system with their close family (partner, parents, and child) to develop good habits and discipline. Promote open discussions about family planning, including contraceptives and future goals. Emphasize the importance of personal growth, viewing fatherhood as a stepping stone to learning new skills and achieving both personal and family goals.