Resilience Amidst Adversity: Demystifying the Lived Experiences of Batang Inatay

Young single parents frequently face substantial financial and emotional hardships. A comparison between France and the UK illustrates these disparities: while a mother in France received €683 monthly in child benefits for three children, her sister in the UK received none due to a means-tested welfare system and higher childcare costs. In the U.S., 41% of parents reported debilitating stress, with similar figures observed in the UK. Despite these challenges, many young single parents display resilience, developing time management skills and relying on support systems to cope. In the Philippines, the issue of teenage pregnancy remains pressing, with one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia, often resulting in adverse health, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes. This study employs qualitative transcendental phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of Junior and Senior High School students in the Philippines who assume the dual parental roles of Batang Inatay—a term denoting young single parents acting as both mother (Nanay) and father (Tatay). Through in-depth interviews, the study reveals that economic pressure often forces participants to prioritize income over education, leading to mental and emotional fatigue. While some derive motivation from their hardships, others feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity. Coping mechanisms include time management, emotional resilience, social support, and, in some cases, avoidance strategies. While caregiving fosters maturity and responsibility, it also restricts personal freedom and hinders academic and professional aspirations. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to support the well-being and development of young single parents.