ABSTRACT
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the challenges experienced by student-parents in balancing their academic and family responsibilities at Abuyog Community College. Guided by Goode’s (1960) Role Strain Theory and Masten’s (2001) Resilience Theory, the study examined how student-parents manage role conflicts and develop coping strategies to adapt to their dual responsibilities. To gather authentic and in-depth data, ten student-parents participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five key themes: balancing motherhood and studies, difficulty in time management, emotional and physical struggles, the significance of support systems, and perseverance and motivation.
The findings demonstrated that student-parents face multiple significant life challenges, including limited time and financial resources, as well as fatigue and emotional distress. Despite these obstacles, student-parents exhibited strong resilience by employing various coping strategies. The study highlights the critical need for institutional support, such as financial aid, counseling services, and robust support networks, to help student-parents successfully manage their dual roles and thrive in both their academic and family responsibilities.
Keywords: student-parents, time management, struggles, coping strategies, thematic analysis
INTRODUCTION
The growing number of student-parents reflects shifting societal norms and the increasing pursuit of personal and professional growth. Students who have children demonstrate remarkable determination and resilience because they work to succeed academically while caring for their children. Student-parents face distinctive challenges that need substantial help to handle because their dual responsibilities between academic work and family care strongly impact their academic success and mental health. (Anaya, 2023)
Being both a student and a parent can be very hard. Household tasks and school requirements can create stress that affects not only grades but also well-being (Anaya, 2023). When parenthood overlaps with pursuing higher education, a different set of struggles appears. Student-parents face a constant balancing act, trying to manage coursework while raising their children (Althaus, 2021).
Several studies have investigated these issues. Ato (2018) discussed the shift in social norms and expectations about student-parent roles, while Dankyi et al. (2019) reported that many student-parents have difficulty balancing academic obligations with childcare, which leads to lower academic performance and more stress. Still, there is not much research that focuses on the unique situation of student-parents at Abuyog Community College in Abuyog, Leyte. Thus, this prompted the research to conduct a study on exploring the lived experiences of this students who burns midnight candles just to earn a baccalaureate degree. This paper aims to close that gap by exploring the daily realities of student-parents in this school. Using a phenomenological approach, the study investigates how they juggle their two roles, the challenges they encounter, and the coping strategies they use. The findings will provide a clearer understanding of the situation of student-parents at Abuyog Community College in Abuyog, Leyte.
Statement of the problem
This study aimed to explore the challenges face by student-parents in balancing academics and family responsibilities.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
What are the challenges face by student-parents in balancing academic and family responsibilities?
How do these challenges affect student-parents’ academic performance and their capacity to attend to family responsibilities?
How do student-parents balance their academic requirements and family responsibilities?
How do student-parents overcome the challenges they encounter in fulfilling both roles?
How did the researchers reflect on their study of student-parents’ challenges in balancing academics and family responsibilities?
METHODOLOGY
Research Design This study used phenomenological approach to explore the challenges faced by student-parents in balancing academics and family responsibilities. This qualitative method allowed researchers to explore how student-parents of Abuyog Community College perceived and experienced the difficulties of managing both academics and family responsibilities.
Research Instrument This study utilized semi-structured interview to gather data. The interviews were conducted with student-parents, guided by a set of predetermined question guide to explore on the challenges they face in balancing academics and family responsibilities.
Validation of Research Instrument To ensure the instrument’s face validity, the interview questions were developed based on their relevance to the research objectives and statement of the problem specific questions. Further, the research adviser reviewed the semi-structured interview questions to check whether the questions were appropriate and acceptable for investigating the challenges faced by student-parents in balancing academics and family responsibilities.
Locale of the Study The research was conducted at Abuyog Community College (ACC), Abuyog, Leyte. The researchers chose this institution because they are students of the said school. This made reaching out to participants become convenient and more practical
Research Participants To ensure the collection of comprehensive data, participants were chosen through purposive sampling from various college departments. A total of ten student-parents were selected. The participants met the following criteria were officially enrolled at the institution, had one or more children residing in their household, and were willing to be interviewed. This sampling method also allowed the researchers to provide rich detail on understanding the student-parents’ experience with juggling their academic life with family responsibilities.
Data Analysis Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Interview transcripts were analyzed to pinpoint significant responses, derive meaning, and categorize them into themes. This study was particularly appropriate for thematic analysis, as it enabled the researchers to interpret the qualitative data through recurring patterns, providing a comprehensive of the challenges faced by student-parents in balancing academics and family responsibilities.
Data Gathering Procedure The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with student-parents selected on purpose. The participants were informed of the purpose of the study, and their consent was obtained before interview. Interviews occurred in a safe and comfortable setting; the researcher obtained consent and conducted interviews which were recorded with the participants’ permission, storing data confidentially for academic purposes only.
Ethical Consideration This study followed the principles related to ethics involved in data collection and management. The participants were entered into the study on a voluntary basis, and they were given adequate information about the objectives of the study before obtaining their consent. Their identities and personal details were kept confidential, intended solely for academic purposes. The interviews took place in a safe and respectful setting to promote openness without any pressure. In accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), all personal information was securely collected, processed, and stored, ensuring the protection of participants’ privacy and rights.
Research Reflexivity The researchers practiced and used reflexivity to promote transparency and reduce bias at all stages of the study. As suggested by Lazard and McAvoy (2020), reflexivity refers to a self-aware examination of researchers' perspectives, assumptions, and positions, and how these could impact the process of research and the findings. By doing so, their work became trusted and better analyzed rigorously and without bias the findings.
Findings from this study, the researchers learned of the challenge’s student-parents face juggling academic needs and familial responsibilities. They kept a reflective journal throughout the data collection and analysis to record insights, observations, and realizations that emerged during the research. This practice helped the researchers evaluate how their views as students connected with those of the participants.
Through this reflective process, the researchers recognized the time constraints, financial strain, and emotional struggles that student-parents experience. They also saw the important role of resilience, motivation, and social support in overcoming these challenges.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Several themes emerged from the transcript collected after conducting a semi-structured interview with the participants. These themes are as follow.
1. Balancing Parenthood and Academic Responsibilities
A study by Lin (2022) highlighted those balancing academic responsibilities alongside parenting is particularly challenging for college student-parents, as they must simultaneously manage educational obligations and childcare. This aligns with the experiences of the participants, who shared how balancing academic tasks with childcare duties often leads to exhaustion, emotional stress, and time constraints. This theme focuses on how these student-parents struggle to meet the demands of their dual roles, often sacrificing one for the other, yet remain committed to pushing forward for the sake of their children's futures. Participant 6 shared how her time is divided between being a student and a parent for her child, especially when her child gets sick and needs immediate attention. “May time nga dire nala ako masulod, for example may sakit hi baby need ako niya. So makuri man kumadto ka ha skwelahan bis may sakit tim baby, bangin yumakan pa hira nga bungalos ako na nanay.” (“Sometimes I can’t attend my classes, especially when my baby is sick and needs me. It’s really hard to focus on classes in that situation, and people might even judge me, saying I’m irresponsible mom.”)
In the case of Participant 8, she said that it is hard for her to balance both roles. (“So, syempre ano, an time para sa baby is naibanan of course kay pag abot nimo, asikasuhon mo anay tim baby until makaturog siya. Tapos pag makaturog na siya, amo liwat it ak time pag-study.”) (“Of course, my time with my baby is limited because when I get home, I need to take care of him until he falls asleep. It’s only after that when I finally get the chance to study.”) Similarly, Participant 1 shared that her responsibilities as a parent also affect her academic life, as she often needs to prioritize her child’s well-being over school-related tasks. These accounts reveal how student-parents face constant challenges in balancing their dual roles, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support in both academic and family settings.
6. Struggles with Time Management
Patel, Garcia, and Lee (2021) emphasized the essential role of effective time management strategies in minimizing stress and enhancing academic performance, which reflects the struggles participants shared in balancing childcare and school responsibilities. Participant 2 explained, (“Aw kuan syahan, time management kay kun dire talaga kuan it time danay gin pipili ko nala sumulod, danay dire. Depende it sitwasyon danay liwat kun kailangan ako didto hit ak mga anak ade ak hit ak mga anak tas kun ha financial of course mas priority ko it baraydan tak mga anak kaysa haak mas gin uuna ko hira okay la ha akon waray bis ako waray piso basta hira mayda.”) (“Time management is my biggest struggle. If there isn’t enough time, I sometimes choose not to attend classes. It depends on the situation—if my children need me, I prioritize them. Financially, I always put their needs first, even if it means having nothing for myself.”) Similarly, Participant 3 shared, Gikapoy talaga ako labi na kay damo baraydan tapos may kuan pa kasi ako may stage pa ako sa postpartum depression after panganak so lisud talaga siya.(“I often feel exhausted, especially with so many expenses to handle, and I also went through postpartum depression after giving birth, which made things even more difficult.”) These accounts highlight how student-parents often struggle with managing their limited time, frequently sacrificing academic obligations to prioritize their children’s needs and well-being.
7. Emotional and Physical Challenges
A study by Torres, Hampton, and Lee (2022) highlighted the significant impact of academic pressures on both the physical and emotional well-being of student-parents. This aligns with the experiences of the participants, who endure not only fatigue and insufficient rest but also emotional difficulties in juggling parenthood and their studies. Participant 4 shared, Na depressed talaga ako pero bagan saakon isip na dire puyde magpalupig kay syempre nanay ka tapos estudyante ka. (“I genuinely felt depressed, but I kept reminding myself that I couldn't give up because I am a mother and a student.”) These narratives highlight the urgent need for support and resources to assist student-parents in balancing the simultaneous demands of childcare and educational obligations.
8. Support System
Thompson, Brown, and Evans (2022) underscored the essential role of support systems, including family, friends, and institutional resources—in nurturing resilience among student-parents. This aligns with the experiences shared by the participants, as many depend significantly on external support to manage the challenges of both their education and parenting. Participant 2 emphasized the value of financial assistance, stating, (“Financial support, number one gud tun. Working mom gad ako kaya ko mag trabaho, pero sakto manla liwat tak sweldo pan palit gatas tak baby.”) (“Financial support is really the number one need. Since I am a working mom, I can earn, but my salary is only enough to buy milk for my baby.”) Similarly, Participant 7 shared, “Mayda naman ako nakukuha nga support ha akon family inen it akon nala financial support gud kay amo gud talaga it akon gin hahangyo labi na kay waray ako trabaho ngan naawud na ako pag inaro tak kag-anak.” (“I do get some support from my family, but financial support is really what I keep asking for, especially since I don’t have a job and I feel embarrassed constantly asking my parents.”) In the case of Participant 5, he also expressed the importance of having a support system, noting that without such help, managing both academics and childcare would be nearly impossible. These accounts reveal how crucial financial and emotional support is for student-parents, allowing them to persist despite the challenges of balancing parenthood and academic responsibilities. This aligns with Resilience Theory, which underscores the importance of personal strength and adaptability in overcoming challenges. For student-mothers, resilience is not just about managing academic responsibilities but also about reshaping their sense of success to include both their educational and parenting roles.
9. Perseverance and Motivation
Perseverance is clearly reflected in the experiences of student-parents who continue their education for their children. Participant 9 stated, “Bisan ano kakuri it akon kabutangan na padayon ako para sit akon anak.” (“No matter how difficult my situation is, I keep going for my child.”) Participant 10 also emphasized the difficulty of balancing school and motherhood but expressed the need to persevere for their child's future: “Makuri talaga ig dungan it pag eskwela ngan pagiging nanay it akon la kinahanglan gud nakon mag pursige kay para man ine sit Amon kabubuwason sit akon anak.” (“It’s really hard to balance school and motherhood, but I need to persevere because this is for our future, especially for my child.”) These testimonies show that perseverance is essential for student-parents, driving them to overcome hardships and stay motivated in fulfilling both
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
This study concludes that student-mothers encounter significant challenges in balancing their roles as students and parents. These challenges including time management, physical and emotional exhaustion, financial responsibilities, and parenting demand strain their time, focus, and energy, which can negatively affect their academic performance and well-being.
Moreover, it is also concluded that the challenges of balancing academic and home responsibilities often cause exhaustion and divided attention, negatively impacting both academic success and family duties. Student-parents, despite their strong commitment to education and family, frequently struggle to fulfill their roles in ways that can harm their own health and well-being. Nevertheless, despite these difficulties student-parents were incredibly resilient and determined to push through while nurturing their children. They demonstrated determination to achieve their goals and maintain a positive outlook, which reinforces their commitment to parenting responsibilities and aspiration not only for their own future but also for the well-being and success of their children.
Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that local government units (LGUs) and educational institutions along with the guidance office to develop a special program tailored lessen the burdens of these student-parents. Financial support or scholarship are also encouraged.
References
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Patel, S., Garcia, M., & Lee, J. (2021). Time management and academic performance in student-parents: A strategic approach. Journal of Higher Education Research, 48(1), 123–137. https://doi.org/10.1080
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DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17479880
