Psychological challenges of distance parenting among young working mothers

Motherhood plays a vital role in shaping a woman's identity and her ability to provide essential nurturing to her child. However, in the twenty-first century, social workers have observed an increase in mothers practising distance parenting due to labour migration, which poses a significant threat to the establishment and maintenance of mother-child relationships. This article explores the psychological challenges faced by young mothers practising distance parenting in Geelhoupark Rustenburg, North-West province, South Africa. This study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory case study design. A total of 12 participants from Geelhoutpark were selected using a purposive-sampling technique. Interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams, guided by a structured interview schedule. The data was thematically analysed. The study found that young working mothers often experience feelings of guilt and failure as they believe that society placed high demands on them. Due to the society's expectations and personal-level emotional reactions to the absence of their children, young working mothers felt emotionally distressed, sad, as well as self-doubting their motherhood capabilities. The study concludes that young working mothers face significant psychological challenges, which are often worsened by societal expectations. Future studies can further examine both the psychological and social challenges experienced by young mothers practising distance parenting.