Makassar, Indonesia April 22 2026/PMN-RG/ – Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience. But for teenage mothers, this transition can be overwhelming. Many young mothers are still growing emotionally and socially, yet they are suddenly responsible for raising a child. This situation often leads to what experts call parenting stress—a condition that can negatively affect both the mother and her baby.
In Indonesia, early marriage and teenage pregnancy remain significant concerns. These challenges are not only social issues but also public health problems. Teenage mothers are more vulnerable to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and even depression. If left unaddressed, these conditions can impact how they care for their children, increasing the risk of poor nutrition and even stunting.
A recent study published in the Belitung Nursing Journal offers a promising and practical solution: parenting coaching. Unlike traditional health education, which often focuses only on delivering information, parenting coaching is more interactive and supportive. It involves guiding mothers step by step—helping them set goals, understand their challenges, and build confidence in caring for their children.
The study, conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, used a quasi-experimental approach involving teenage mothers. One group received parenting coaching, while another group received standard education through leaflets. The results were clear and encouraging. Mothers who participated in coaching showed a significant reduction in parenting stress. They also improved in knowledge, attitudes, behavior, self-confidence, and overall maternal functioning.
Even more importantly, these improvements had a positive impact on their children’s nutritional status. Over time, children of mothers who received coaching showed better growth indicators compared to those who did not. This highlights a powerful message: when mothers are supported, children benefit too.
This intervention strongly aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Parenting coaching addresses both mental health and child health at the same time, making it a holistic and effective approach. It does not require expensive technology or complex systems—just trained health workers, empathy, and structured guidance.
What makes parenting coaching truly impactful is its human-centered approach. It treats mothers not as passive recipients of information, but as active participants in their own growth. By listening, guiding, and empowering, this method creates lasting behavioral change rather than temporary knowledge.
In real-world settings, this approach can be easily integrated into community health services such as posyandu or maternal clinics. Nurses and healthcare workers can play a key role in delivering these interventions, making them scalable and sustainable.
In conclusion, parenting coaching is more than just a health intervention—it is an investment in the future. Supporting teenage mothers today means raising healthier, stronger, and more resilient generations tomorrow. Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like guidance, empathy, and human connection—can create the biggest impact.
Reference:
https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.3071
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
