TypeError: Cannot read property 'length' of undefined

I'm running into two issues that may be related:
1. I'm receiving `error given was: TypeError: Cannot read property 'length' of undefined` whenever I call string methods (e.g. `length`, `substring`, `slice`, et al)

e.g. `const { title, description } = app; console.log(description.length);` throws the aforementioned error.
2. I can't access obj properties.

e.g.

```
function StatelessComp({ parent }) {
const { myString, myObj } = parent;
console.log(myObj.id);
}
```

Any idea what could be causing these issues?