What Teenage Mothers Really Need - A Psychologist’s PerspectiveTeenage pregnancy is often framed as a social problem, a failure, or a life “ruined.” But what if the real issue isn’t the pregnancy - it’s the stigma, judgement, and low expectations placed on young mothers?In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Hayley Lugassy, an educational psychologist who became a mother at 15. We explore the psychological impact of teenage pregnancy, the harm caused by shame-based responses from families and professionals, and what truly supports better outcomes for both young mothers and their children.We discuss teenage motherhood, attachment, stigma, poverty, safeguarding, education pathways, UK benefits, and how investing in young parents can transform lives.This episode is essential listening for parents, professionals, aspiring psychologists, teachers, and anyone interested in trauma-informed and compassionate approaches to teenage pregnancy.You do not need to be a young parent to find this powerful – this is about how we respond to people at vulnerable turning points in their lives.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why teenage pregnancy is so often misunderstood02:50 Falling pregnant at 14 and family conflict05:39 Judgement from professionals during birth08:32 What parents should do when their teenage daughter is pregnant12:11 Reframing “ruined life” narratives14:38 Poverty, food insecurity and survival16:21 The UK benefits system and long-term investment18:26 What gold-standard support could look like21:50 Why young mothers need mentorship, not surveillance25:50 Becoming a psychologist after teenage motherhood29:37 The impact of low expectations31:29 Practical support available in the UK todayLinks:📲 Connect with Dr Hayley Lugassy: https://lugassylearningsolutions.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-lugassy-26750426a/🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-coursesAsk Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #teenmum #teenageparent #youngparent #teendad