“Being a Good Parent” During Times of Illness as Defined by Chinese Children With Cancer, Their Parents, and Providers

Abstract

Background Identifying the definition of “being a good parent” facilitates the understanding of parents’ personal beliefs and deeds regarding their ill child. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the concept of “being a good parent to my ill child” during pediatric cancer treatment from the perspective of Chinese children, parents, and providers. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 6 children, 18 parents, 5 doctors, 19 nurses, and 3 social workers by semistructured interviews at 3 Chinese hospitals. Results Except for “letting the Lord lead,” 7 themes from the original conceptual model were validated, for example, “being there for my child” (n = 51, 100.0%); “doing right by my child” (n = 38, 74.5%), “being an advocate for my child” (n = 27, 52.9%), “conveying love to my child” (n = 26, 51.0%), “making my child healthy” (n = 18, 35.3%), “being a good life example” (n = 13, 25.5%), and “not allowing suffering” (n = 13, 25.5%). A new theme, “rebuilding myself” (n = 39, 76.5%), emerged in the Chinese context. “Being a good parent to my ill child” is perceived differently among stakeholders. Healthcare professionals’ facilitation to fulfill the concept included “recognizing the individualized good-parent definition,” “providing best available care” and “establishing a supportive environment.” Conclusion “Being a good parent to my ill child” is meaningfully expressed by Chinese parents and recognized by children and providers during pediatric cancer treatment. Implications for Practice It is important to support parents in conveying their internal good parent definition and sharing it with stakeholders. Attention should be paid to related cultural influencers, a supportive family-friendly environment, and shared decision making involving the child’s voice.