"It makes me a better person": The unique experiences of parenting multiple children who experience neurodevelopmental disability.
Mothering
Multiplex families
Neurodevelopmental disability
Qualitative
Social participation
Well-being
Journal
Research in developmental disabilities
ISSN: 1873-3379
Titre abrégé: Res Dev Disabil
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8709782
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
19 Feb 2024
19 Feb 2024
Historique:
received:
07
11
2023
revised:
20
01
2024
accepted:
10
02
2024
medline:
21
2
2024
pubmed:
21
2
2024
entrez:
20
2
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Much research has explored how raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disability influences parents' well-being. However, little research has focused on the unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. We explored the unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with a focus on mothers' well-being and social participation. Ten mothers who parent multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. Three themes were identified: 'Knowledge is power' described positive influences of enhanced disability knowledge and advocacy with each child who experienced disability. 'Shifts in wellbeing' acknowledged these mothers' exhaustion, decreased time for self-care, and invisible work, yet also increased feelings of empowerment, purpose and empathy for others. '(Dis)Connection and engagement with others' reflected struggles of balancing responsibilities, social and community participation, and experiences with isolation. Yet, mothers' also experienced enhanced disability community and family connections, and a sense of meaning and purpose. Findings highlighted challenges, and many rewarding and unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Health, education and social service practitioners are encouraged to acknowledge parent's challenges, but also celebrate and draw on families' strengths and knowledge.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Much research has explored how raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disability influences parents' well-being. However, little research has focused on the unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. We explored the unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with a focus on mothers' well-being and social participation.
METHODS
METHODS
Ten mothers who parent multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Three themes were identified: 'Knowledge is power' described positive influences of enhanced disability knowledge and advocacy with each child who experienced disability. 'Shifts in wellbeing' acknowledged these mothers' exhaustion, decreased time for self-care, and invisible work, yet also increased feelings of empowerment, purpose and empathy for others. '(Dis)Connection and engagement with others' reflected struggles of balancing responsibilities, social and community participation, and experiences with isolation. Yet, mothers' also experienced enhanced disability community and family connections, and a sense of meaning and purpose.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlighted challenges, and many rewarding and unique experiences of parenting multiple children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Health, education and social service practitioners are encouraged to acknowledge parent's challenges, but also celebrate and draw on families' strengths and knowledge.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38377706
pii: S0891-4222(24)00029-5
doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104697
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
104697Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no competing interests to declare.