In many Namibian homes, working parents carry a quiet but significant burden. Each day, they balance the demands of employment, financial responsibility, and social expectations, only to return home to the equally important task of raising children. For parents of adolescents, that responsibility often becomes even more demanding.

Adolescence, broadly spanning the ages of 10 to 19, is a period of profound physical, emotional, social, and psychological change. It is a critical stage of development, yet it remains widely misunderstood. During this time, young people begin to explore their identity, seek greater independence, and are influenced by the wider world. Even so, they still need parental guidance, structure, empathy, and connection.

For many working parents, this can be an especially difficult period. Parenting approaches that may have been effective during childhood do not always work in adolescence. What once required instruction and protection often now calls for listening, patience, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of a young person’s changing world.

It is against this backdrop that the Working Parents of Adolescents Empowerment Programme was hosted at Arebbusch Travel Lodge, bringing together approximately 100 participants. The program seeks to equip parents with practical tools to better manage the pressures of work and parenting, while strengthening the parent-child relationship during this critical stage of life.

Too often, public discussions about education focus mainly on schools, teachers, infrastructure, and learning resources. 

However, one area that receives far less attention is parenting, especially during adolescence. What happens at home plays a powerful role in shaping adolescent development. When young people experience emotional support, they are more likely to remain engaged in school, build confidence, and make healthier life choices.

Historically, adolescence was not always recognised as a distinct developmental stage. In the early 20th century, psychologist G. Stanley Hall helped raise awareness of adolescence as a unique phase between childhood and adulthood. Before then, children were often expected to take on adult roles much earlier, with little understanding of the related developmental changes. Today, there is greater awareness that adolescence is a sensitive and important phase. Yet many parents still feel underprepared for the shift this stage requires

The programme therefore encourages a different approach, centred on psychological flexibility, the ability to remain present, open, and guided by one’s values. Its purpose is not to ‘fix’ adolescents, but to strengthen parents’ ability to respond more effectively, even under pressure.

The training introduced six core processes that help build psychological flexibility in everyday parenting. 

These include being present, because even brief moments of full attention can strengthen connection; stepping back from immediate reactions, especially during conflict; making room for difficult emotions without allowing them to drive behaviour; recognising that one is more than passing thoughts and frustrations; clarifying parenting values; and taking committed action based on what truly matters. Together, these processes support a shift from reactive parenting to a more mindful and values-driven approach.

In Namibia, many children start school, but far fewer progress to higher secondary level or complete their education. This is a reminder that adolescent well-being depends on the support systems around them. While parents play the primary role, schools, employers, communities, and policymakers all share responsibility for creating conditions that support both adolescents and their parents.

In conclusion, fostering psychological flexibility and mindful parenting are also ways of supporting young people. When working parents are empowered with the right tools, they are better able to guide their adolescents through one of life’s most important transitions.

*Florentia Amuenje is a PhD candidate at the University of Namibia. This article draws on her ongoing doctoral research conducted under the supervision of Professor Dhaka and Dr Hlatywayo at the University of Namibia. The views expressed are those of the author.