Abstract:
This study explores the concept of long-distance parenting and its impacts on the general
well-being and relationships with the OFW parent/s and other family members, among selected
Filipino adolescents in Manila. Fourteen adolescents aged 13-20 with one or both parents
working as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) participated in an in-depth interview.
The results indicate that the absence of one or both parents causes changes or
rearrangements in the parenting ways or child-rearing inside the family. It paves a way for
unconventional ways of child-rearing and management of the household and new roles and
responsibilities for the adolescents and other family members. Because of the temporal and
physical distance, the adolescents are not saved from feelings of loneliness and longing for their
parents overseas. Rifts or gaps in family relationships are also inevitable. However, the study
suggests that they are not greatly disadvantaged or affected in many areas of their well being.
The adolescents learn to become more independent, responsible and mature in handling their
lives. Moreover, they employ different coping strategies individually and as a family, which help
them become well-adjusted to their situation. Support from their families left behind and peers
helps the adolescents withstand the effects of separation. Communication through the various
technological means also play a crucial role in maintaining and sustaining the family
relationships. Moreover, it helps parents abroad exercise their parenting roles and duties from a
distance.
