INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC

The literature on paternal concern on their children is not definite. Some studies reveal that contrary to common belief, teenage fathers are not always keen to avoiding their responsibilities. Instead, they were often very eager about the prospect of becoming an involved parent, wanting to learn how to do the job properly (speak 1997, Rivara 1986)

A video interview about 3 teenage boys (Norman, a 15-year old boy with a one –year old child; Arjon who became a father at age 15; and 16 year-old Raymart, who is expecting a child with his girlfriend) who has to face parenthood at an adolescent age, they tell us of their experience of being an illegitimate father in terms of age and unpreparedness, how they got to be fathers, and what it has lead them to be. Although they are experiencing hardship in their life as of now, they still push through hardship, as they must support the family and the child he bears and holds responsible. Some of the kids has to stop their education and has to work just to support the child’s life, with all that, they themselves know that their way of life has changed as well, and they know a little more what’s it like to be a father.

The most common reasons given for not living with the child were that the bay was too young, finances and problems in the relationship with the woman.

The lack of developmental knowledge and unrealistic expectations for their children’s behavior shown by the subjects they studied might lead some young parents to mistake their children’s . Having a child is a life changing event for a teenage mother, but the teenage father may be little affected physically, if he is out of the picture for whatever reason. Emotionally, however, the birth of his child can have a big impact on the teenage father.

Lack of employment was one of the factors that contributed to the absent teenage fathers disinterest in his child.

Lack of maturity due to lack of developmental knowledge to paternal involvement.

These include lack of maturity due to lack of developmental knowledge and unrealistic expectations for their children’s behavior.

Lack of economic support, young fathers also experience resistance from maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as from mothers.


Unemployment and low educational attainment is one of the given factor for the young father being uninvolved parent. Low income fathers, who are unable to provide for their families due to poverty or job loss, seem to have negative or decreased interactions with their children. Unable to provide for their families due to poverty or job loss, seem to have negative or decreased interactions with their children.

Problems in the relationship with the mother, females felt the father should provide emotional support for the child and mother share basic childcare tasks with the mother.