Approximately four out of five teenage mothers are unmarried and face financial struggles because the fathers of their children are often absent, and there usually is no established paternity for their children.
Teenage fathers are predominantly inconsistent in helping raise their children. They are likely to not provide formal financial support or follow a structured visitation schedule. They visit with their children when it is convenient, and are typically only contribute to essentials such as clothing and diapers. Kalil, M Ziol-Guest and Coley (2005) reports that during the period between birth and the preschool years, only a fraction of teen fathers are consistently involved in their children’s upbringing while the others are either inconsistently involved or absent.

Teenage single mothers who solicit family members to assist them in their parenting responsibilities often do not neglect their children (Worth, 1992). Maternal grandmothers commonly play an instrumental role in supporting teenage single mothers in the care of their children. They usually provide housing, monetary support or childcare assistance; and in many situations, assume the role of the co-parent. The involvement of maternal grandmothers can either impede or promote father involvement depending on how secure the relationship allows the adolescent mother feel in her ability to raise her child.

Although reports indicate that the rate of teenage pregnancies have stabilized in the last few years, adolescent single-parent families exist in every community, and confront unique problems that are often difficult to address. According to Developmental Specialists, pairing adolescence with the responsibilities of motherhood places teenage mothers at emotional risk and compromises their development.

Assuming a parenting role at such a young age is an overwhelming experience for all teenage mothers. They struggle with negotiating their own physical, social, and psychological developmental changes while supporting the developmental of a child. However, those who are developmentally more advanced are usually more successful at parenting (Eshbaugh, Lempers & Luze, 2006).

Many teenage single mothers drop out of school once they become pregnant. They ultimately become socially isolated, experience loneliness and feelings of failure, and are uncertain about their future. Lack of acceptance from family members makes a teenage single mother vulnerable to future pregnancies and places her at risk for academic failures. On the other hand, if supported in their parenting role, a teenage single mother is usually willing to return to school, complete her education and achieve her long-term goals.

Contrary to the perception of many, the teenage single-mother population does not primarily comprise of black, urban girls, but includes girls of all races and classes from urban and non-urban communities. Moreover, research findings reveals that in the United States, the teenage single -parent population is greater in non-urban areas, especially among African American teenagers who reside in low-income households (Eshbaugh, Lempers & Luze, 2006).

The social environment, positive relationships, the availability of supports, and how the teenage single mother views her situation influences her ability to be an effective parent. Those who maintain a positive outlook on parenting while embracing the sacrifices that they are required to make are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment instead of failure in there parenting role. Moreover, they acquire positive role identity, increased stability, and secure bonds with their children. Teenage single- mothers are different from other teenagers and other single parents because they face the challenge of balancing their adolescent impulses with the responsibilities of parenting.