Peer-reviewed article
Psychological challenges of distance parenting among young working mothers.
Modise TV, Tladi-Mapefane OA, Matlakala FK ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explored the psychological challenges experienced by 12 young working mothers who practise distance parenting due to labour migration in South Africa. The mothers reported feelings of guilt, failure, emotional distress, and self-doubt about their parenting capabilities. These difficulties were intensified by societal expectations about motherhood. The research highlights that the absence from their children creates significant emotional strain for working mothers.
Key points
- Young working mothers experiencing distance parenting report feelings of guilt and perceived failure
- Mothers experienced emotional distress, sadness, and self-doubt about their motherhood capabilities
- Societal expectations and demands on mothers significantly worsened their psychological challenges
- Labour migration is a key driver of distance parenting arrangements
- The study was conducted in Geelhoutpark, Rustenburg, North-West province, South Africa
Limitations
This is a small qualitative study with 12 participants from one location, so findings cannot be generalised to all young working mothers or to different contexts. The study describes mothers' experiences but does not measure impacts on child well-being or outcomes, nor does it evaluate any intervention.
Abstract
Motherhood plays a vital role in shaping a woman's identity and her ability to provide essential nurturing to her child. However, in the twenty-first century, social workers have observed an increase in mothers practising distance parenting due to labour migration, which poses a significant threat to the establishment and maintenance of mother-child relationships. This article explores the psychological challenges faced by young mothers practising distance parenting in Geelhoupark Rustenburg, North-West province, South Africa. This study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory case study design. A total of 12 participants from Geelhoutpark were selected using a purposive-sampling technique. Interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams, guided by a structured interview schedule. The data was thematically analysed. The study found that young working mothers often experience feelings of guilt and failure as they believe that society placed high demands on them. Due to the society's expectations and personal-level emotional reactions to the absence of their children, young working mothers felt emotionally distressed, sad, as well as self-doubting their motherhood capabilities. The study concludes that young working mothers face significant psychological challenges, which are often worsened by societal expectations. Future studies can further examine both the psychological and social challenges experienced by young mothers practising distance parenting.