An outreach program that assists teen mothers found that they often have “volatile relationships with their mothers and no relationships with their fathers. ” Anita, who became a mother at the age of 18, remembers that although her single mother worked hard to provide for her materially, Anita still felt the emotional void created by the absence of her father.
Ühe teismeliste emade nõustamisprogrammi raames selgus, et „sageli on neil teismelistel habras suhe emaga ja puudub täielikult suhe isaga ”. 18 - aastaselt emaks saanud Anita meenutab, et kuigi tal oli teda üksinda kasvatav ema, kes tegi tema ülalpidamiseks ränka tööd, tajus ta isa puudumisest tingitud emotsionaalset tühjust.