Silent Burdens, Quiet Strengths: Lived Experiences of Single Parents in Tacloban City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19013319Keywords:
single parents, lived experiences, family well-being, transcendental phenomenology, coping mechanisms, resilience, descriptivism paradigmAbstract
This study explored the lived experiences of single parents in Tacloban City, focusing on their perceptions of daily life, caregiving responsibilities, financial management, coping mechanisms, challenges, and unmet needs. Guided by a transcendental phenomenological approach within the descriptivism paradigm, the research sought to understand the authentic voices and emotional realities of solo parents as they navigate the complexities of raising children alone. Fifteen single parents residing in Tacloban City participated in semi-structured interviews, allowing for in-depth exploration of their experiences while setting aside researcher biases to highlight participants’ perspectives. Findings revealed that single parents face multifaceted struggles, including financial limitations, educational demands, and systemic gaps, yet they exhibit resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their children’s well-being. Participants described the constant balancing act of nurturing their children, managing household responsibilities, sustaining financial stability, and providing social and educational guidance. Coping strategies such as resourcefulness, adaptive parenting, and reliance on family and community support networks were central to maintaining family stability. Despite these adaptive strategies, gaps in accessible resources, financial aid, and community awareness amplified stress and constrained opportunities for both parents and children. The study underscores the interplay between hardship and resilience in single-parent households and highlights the need for comprehensive support systems that include emotional, financial, educational, and community-based interventions. By capturing the authentic lived experiences of single parents, this research provides insights that can guide local and national policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders in fostering environments that empower solo parents and promote the holistic development of their children.
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