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‘I wouldn’t Swap It for the World’: Being a Young Parent

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Teenage Pregnancy, Parenting and Intergenerational Relations

Part of the book series: Palgrave Macmillan Studies in Family and Intimate Life ((PSFL))

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Abstract

This chapter focusses on parenthood—being a young mum or dad. Although the young parents discussed some of the challenges and difficulties of their new role, such as tiredness, lack of money, being cut off from old friends and social lives, and being judged by others around them, they also talked about the enjoyment they got from being a parent, saying they ‘wouldn’t change it for the world’. In some cases, becoming a parent had acted as a turning point. They were keen to demonstrate that they were good parents, and that they were taking on the responsibility knowingly and willingly. For those who had been in work or in education, a baby provided a further spur to succeed, particularly for the young fathers who were actively taking on a breadwinner role.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Freelance Researcher, London, UK

    Sally Brown

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  1. Sally Brown
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© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)

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Brown, S. (2016). ‘I wouldn’t Swap It for the World’: Being a Young Parent. In: Teenage Pregnancy, Parenting and Intergenerational Relations. Palgrave Macmillan Studies in Family and Intimate Life. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49539-6_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49539-6_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-49538-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-49539-6

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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