Challenges Parents Face Research Articles

Bereaved Parents' Perceptions of the Doll Reenactment After Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths.

A death scene investigation is required to determine sudden infant death syndrome, and a doll reenactment optimizes the information obtained. The aim of this study was to explore how acutely bereaved parents experience doll reenactments that are conducted after the sudden and unexpected deaths of their infants. A mixed-methods design, including surveys and semi-structured interviews, was used in a cross-sectional, national study to explore the experiences of doll reenactment among 45 bereaved parents. Forty-four percent of parents reported moderate to high distress during the doll reenactment, with significantly heightened distress in those who discovered their child lifeless and who later reported posttraumatic intrusions. An analysis of parents' narratives showed that the doll reenactment was challenging, particularly because of the doll's appearance and the activation of intrusive images in those who found their child lifeless. Parents overall experienced less distress than anticipated during the reenactment, and no lasting difficulties were reported. Some parents identified benefits from the reenactment, such as sharing a coherent narrative of the death. The parents' reactions to the doll reenactment were multifaceted and complex. These findings illuminate the emotional challenges parents face during a doll reenactment and emphasize the delicate balance between obtaining crucial information and avoiding additional trauma in the aftermath of infant deaths. Because the doll reenactment's diagnostic utility or benefits to post-loss coping are uncertain, anticipatory guidance about its psychological dimensions may mitigate distress, and incorporating a gateway for professional support may further align it with the needs of acutely bereaved parents.

The Role of Parents in Enhancing Self-Esteem of School-Age Children: Exploring Parenting Styles, Involvement, and Socioeconomic Factors

This research investigates the critical role of parents in enhancing the self-esteem of school-age children. It explores the relationship between parenting styles, parental involvement, and children's self-worth, drawing on quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews with parents and children. The findings reveal a significant correlation between authoritative parenting and higher self-esteem levels, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and positive reinforcement in shaping children's self-perception. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of parental involvement in educational settings, demonstrating that active engagement contributes positively to children's emotional development. Socioeconomic status was identified as a significant factor influencing self-esteem, with children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds reporting greater self-worth. The qualitative data provided deeper insights into the complexities of parenting dynamics, revealing the challenges parents face in balancing discipline and emotional support. The implications of these findings are multifaceted, offering practical recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers to foster an environment that nurtures children's self-esteem. This research underscores the necessity of supportive parenting practices in promoting healthy emotional development, ultimately contributing to the well-being of future generations.

Challenges Faced by Parents of Children With Selective Mutism in Accessing Medical Care Services.

Background Children with selective mutism (SM) typically exhibit SM symptoms in educational settings, which has led to extensive research on SM in such environments. However, SM symptoms also manifest in medical settings, where parents experience various challenges when seeking healthcare for their child with SM. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on the specific challenges parents face when seeking medical care for their child with SM. In this study, we investigated the challenges faced by parents of children with SM when seeking healthcare services and explored strategies to reduce these challenges. Methodology In this study, we conducted an online questionnaire survey with 31 parents (mean age: 41.7 years) of children diagnosed with SM. Participants responded to open-ended questions about the difficulties they faced when seeking medical care for their child. The open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed using the KJ method. Results Parents of children with SM reported the most challenges accessing medical services in pediatrics and dentistry. The analysis identified the following three main challenges parents face when seeking medical care for their child with SM: "Journey to Receiving Treatment," "Physicians' Inability to Accurately Capture the Child's Condition," and "Healthcare Providers' Responses." Conclusions These findings highlight the numerous challenges faced by parents of children with SM when seeking medical services for their child. The challenges faced by parents when bringing their child with SM to medical facilities may be alleviated through the implementation of telemedicine, the development of mobile health applications, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the introduction of SM-specific training programs for healthcare professionals.

The Impact of Parental Involvement on the Educational Development of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Parental involvement is vital for the academic success and overall development of students, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who face unique educational challenges. This study investigates the influence of parental involvement on the academic performance and school adjustment of students with ASD, focusing on the interplay of cultural identity and first language in their educational and social growth. The research also seeks to identify the challenges parents face and the strategies they use to support their children. Employing a qualitative, interpretive approach, this study involved 42 parents of secondary school students with ASD in Seville, Spain. Data collection included in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of parental experiences. The study found that active parental involvement greatly enhances students' academic performance and emotional well-being. Key strategies include creating structured home environments, utilizing assistive technologies, and fostering open communication with school staff. However, parents reported significant challenges, including limited school resources, communication barriers with educators, and a lack of ASD-specific training for teachers and parents. These challenges often hinder their ability to fully support their children's education. Active parental involvement is crucial for the educational success of students with ASD. The findings highlight the need for improved communication between schools and families, increased resources, and targeted ASD training for both teachers and parents. Additionally, the study advocates for greater investment in assistive technologies to better support students with ASD. Addressing these needs could significantly improve the educational experiences and outcomes for these students.

The relationship between parental anxiety, fear of Covid‐19, partner involvement in children's care and sleep quality during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Italy

AbstractDuring the Covid‐19 pandemic new stressors were added to the usual challenges parents face, changing habits and reduced physical activity, all factors that negatively affect sleep quality in adults and children. This study examines (1) possible changes in the sleep‐wake patterns of parents and children before and after the March–May 2020 lockdown and during the new restrictions imposed by the Italian government in March 2021; (2) possible associations between children and parents' sleep quality reported by parents and intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A total of 264 Italian parents with children aged 1–6 years (M = 40 months, SD = 18.18) completed self‐report questionnaires. Children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased. Positive associations between children's negative affectivity and insomnia symptoms emerged, as well as between generalized parental anxiety and parental insomnia symptoms and between parental fear of Covid‐19 and sleep‐related habits not in line with paediatric recommendations. Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good sleep habits. Results identified risks and protective factors that could impact Italian parents' and children's sleep during the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, raising awareness among families, education practitioners, healthcare providers and the general public.Highlights Italian children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased. During the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, higher levels of children's temperamental negative affectivity were associated with higher levels of parental and children's insomnia, higher levels of parental anxiety, and the presence of children's sleep‐related habits not in line with pediatric recommendations. Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good and healthy children's sleep habits.

The lived experience of French parents concerning the diagnosis of their children with borderline personality disorder

BackgroundPsychiatrists often hesitate to diagnose borderline personality disorder (BPD). While individuals with BPD have reported both positive and negative experiences upon receiving their diagnosis, no study has specifically explored this issue among parents. Parents of children diagnosed with BPD can benefit from recently developed family-support interventions such as the Family Connections program. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of parents learning about their child’s BPD diagnosis and to investigate the impact of the Family Connections program on their experiences.MethodsThis qualitative study, conducted in France following the five-stage IPSE method, involved parents of children with BPD recruited through the Family Connections association in Versailles. We conducted semi-structured interviews and used purposive sampling for data collection until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was performed using a descriptive and structuring approach with NVivo 12 software to elucidate the structure of lived experiences.ResultsThe study included 21 parents. The structure of the lived experiences was characterized by three central axes: (1) the long and difficult road to diagnosis; (2) communicating the BPD diagnosis to parents: a necessary step; (3) the pitfalls of receiving the diagnosis. The Family Connections program provided significant support in these areas, particularly in understanding the diagnosis, enhancing communication with their child, and reducing social isolation.ConclusionThese findings highlight the challenges parents face when receiving a BPD diagnosis for their child and underscore the need for an early, clear, and detailed explanation of the diagnosis. The specific experiences of receiving the diagnosis are indicative of the broader care experience parents undergo and highlight their need and right to be informed, supported, and guided throughout their child’s treatment.

Beyond the Norm: Natal Teeth in a Term Male Neonate in Rivers State, Nigeria—a Rare Case Report

This case report sheds light on a challenging obstetric and neonatal scenario involving a 31-year-old gravida 3 para 2 (2 alive) who presented with complications from a traditional birth attendant (TBA) home and subsequently was delivered of a stillbirth with two maxillary incisors in Rivers State, Nigeria. This case underscores the significance of inadequate antenatal care. It also highlights the challenges parents face in decision-making following the management of a stillbirth with natal teeth.

Unhealthy Snacking Habits are Prevalent Among Elementary School Students

Development Index (HDI) showing a noteworthy increase in 2018. This progress is a promising sign for Indonesia's future, placing it in the high human development category. The focus of the report is on child welfare and health services, emphasizing the significance of adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. The report highlights the challenges parents face in providing their children with nutritious food due to their busy schedules, which often results in children buying unhealthy snacks at school. The 2019 Annual Report of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) raises concerns regarding the quality of School Children's Snack Food (PJAS). A significant portion of these snacks did not meet the required standards and were found to be high in sugar, salt, and fat. These unhealthy snacks pose a risk to children's health, leading to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Moreover, the report notes that poor nutrition not only affects children's health but also their academic performance. By using qualitative research, this report aims to describe the social condition and its impact on the unhealthy snacks habit in school. This report highlights the critical role proper nutrition plays in children's health and academic performance. It underscores the need for parents and schools to work together to provide healthy and nutritious food options for children. Furthermore, the report suggests that schools can play a pivotal role in promoting healthy eating habits by educating children about the importance of proper nutrition and offering healthy food options.

Investigation of Sexual Education Programs for Adolescents With Autism and the Role of Parents in Providing Support.

Sexual education of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex challenge, as the lack of specialized programs limits effective learning. Adolescents with ASD have difficulty understanding abstract concepts such as consent, personal boundaries and safety, which increases the risk of exploitation. This study seeks to examine the experiences and challenges parents face in providing sexuality education to their children with ASD, highlighting the need for programs that respond to the particular needs of these adolescents. The research was based on a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews with 10 parents of adolescents with autism, aged 12-18 years. Thematic analysis of the data revealed important categories related to sexuality, consent, personal boundaries, and safety. Parents face serious difficulties in communicating these issues with their children. The lack of specialized tools and limited support from the education system make it difficult to provide sex education. The need for practical examples and repeated teaching was emphasized. The research highlights the imperative to develop tailored sex education programs that will help adolescents with ASD understand critical concepts. Collaboration between parents, educators and health professionals is vital to strengthen sexuality education and protect adolescents from potential risks of exploitation.

Ab. No. 104 Navigating Pediatric Rehabilitation in Tertiary Care: Understanding Parental Challenges and Enhancing Multidisciplinary Approaches

Introduction: This study investigates the intricate landscape of pediatric rehabilitation within an international tertiary healthcare context, shedding light on experiences of parents with children engaged in rehabilitation services. Most existing research on pediatric rehabilitation primarily focuses on barriers parents of specially-abled children face within home-to-hospital contexts. However, this study fills a crucial gap by exploring the challenges within tertiary care setups, specifically addressing communication barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and service fragmentation. Methods: Participants were parents of disabled children who have used rehabilitation services in an international tertiary care facility for at least one year. The inclusion criteria pertain to individuals using services from three or more disciplines. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with selected mothers were used in the study. Transcription in English ensured a complete understanding of the experiences. Following hermeneutic-phenomenological principles of naive reading, structural analysis, comprehensive reading, and critical reflection, responses were coded. Result: Hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis identified pervasive communication challenges, bureaucratic complexities, and service fragmentation as major themes. Empowered parents engaged in advocacy reported more positive experiences, emphasizing the pivotal role of parental empowerment. The discussion delves into the implications of the results, emphasizing the need for interventions to address communication barriers, streamline administrative processes, and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. It also highlights the significance of parental empowerment and advocates for a patient-centric approach to optimize pediatric rehabilitation. Conclusion: This study provides essential insights into the challenges parents face navigating pediatric rehabilitation in an international tertiary care setting. Addressing communication barriers, and bureaucratic complexities, and promoting parental empowerment are identified as pivotal for enhancing rehabilitation experiences. Implication: The study suggests ways to improve service integration and create a more patient-centric framework for paediatric rehabilitation in tertiary care settings for international healthcare systems. These implications are important for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers.

Effective Communication in Building Relationships Between Parents and Children

Effective communication between parents and children plays an important role in the establishment of healthy and close relationships within the family. This article examines the importance of open communication and understanding in overcoming the various challenges parents face in raising children. We highlight communication strategies that can help parents build strong emotional connections with their children, including methods of attentive listening, responding positively, and overcoming common communication barriers. By understanding and applying these principles of effective communication, parents can create a supportive environment for their children's development and foster harmonious family relationships.

Enhancing Character Education in the New Normal Era through Academic Guidance and Outdoor Learning Methods in Malanggaten Village

Purpose: This research addresses the educational implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the shift to remote learning. The study focuses on a community initiative providing home-based academic support to elementary students in Malanggaten Village. The significance of this research lies in understanding the challenges parents face in facilitating remote education.
 Method: Employing mixed methods, the research utilises surveys and interviews to explore students' and parents' challenges. Thematic coding and statistical analysis are applied for data interpretation.
 Practical Applications: The study offers educators, parents, and policymakers valuable insights into remote education. It suggests effective strategies for home-based learning and enhancing parental involvement, thereby improving students' academic performance.
 Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives, like home-based academic support, in addressing the challenges of remote education. It emphasises collaborative approaches among schools, parents, and communities for sustained and effective learning. This study contributes practical strategies for navigating educational challenges under unprecedented circumstances.

Enhancing Character Education in the New Normal Era through Academic Guidance and Outdoor Learning Methods in Malanggaten Village

Purpose: This research addresses the educational implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the shift to remote learning. The study focuses on a community initiative providing home-based academic support to elementary students in Malanggaten Village. The significance of this research lies in understanding the challenges parents face in facilitating remote education.
 Method: Employing mixed methods, the research utilises surveys and interviews to explore students' and parents' challenges. Thematic coding and statistical analysis are applied for data interpretation.
 Practical Applications: The study offers educators, parents, and policymakers valuable insights into remote education. It suggests effective strategies for home-based learning and enhancing parental involvement, thereby improving students' academic performance.
 Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives, like home-based academic support, in addressing the challenges of remote education. It emphasises collaborative approaches among schools, parents, and communities for sustained and effective learning. This study contributes practical strategies for navigating educational challenges under unprecedented circumstances.

The Intersection of Demographic Factors, Parental Awareness, and Attitudes: Implications for Children's Health Risks from Secondhand Tobacco Smoke

Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, income, education, and occupation, with parents' perspectives and awareness of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke (SHS), considering the significance of these factors for effective health education and prevention initiatives. Methods: Data were collected from 378 employees working in four higher education institutions in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. A standardized questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes towards SHS. Path analysis was employed to examine the relationships between demographic characteristics and parents' knowledge of and attitudes towards the risks of SHS. Results: The study explored how demographic factors, namely age, education, occupation, income level, and ethnicity, influenced parents' knowledge and attitudes towards the health risks of SHS. The results indicated that none of these demographic characteristics had a significant impact on parents' attitudes and knowledge. However, it was observed that parents' financial status significantly and negatively affected their understanding of the health hazards associated with children's exposure to smoking. Conclusions: Protecting children's health and reducing the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses requires parents to enhance their knowledge and foster negative attitudes towards SHS. Developing targeted interventions that address the specific challenges parents face, particularly in relation to their financial circumstances, is crucial to promote a smoke-free environment for children. Research Implications: The study's findings provide insights into the complex relationship between demographic factors and parents' knowledge and attitudes towards SHS. These insights can inform the design of tailored interventions that consider various demographic characteristics to communicate SHS risks and promote healthier behaviours effectively. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the influence of demographic factors on parents' perspectives on SHS health risks. The findings underscore the importance of considering demographic characteristics when designing interventions to address SHS exposure and encourage healthier behaviours among parents and caregivers.

Parental perceptions of social and emotional well-being of young children from Australian military families.

Many Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Veteran families are affected by the stressors of Defence family life, including frequent and prolonged parental deployments, and frequent relocations. To address a gap in information about Defence and Veteran (hereafter Defence) parents' knowledge, confidence and resources to support their young children's well-being and build their resilience. This study used a mixed methods design to explore Defence parent's perceptions of their young children's (aged 2-8 years) social and emotional well-being and understanding of their children's responses to unique stressors as well as their confidence in providing support. Data from 41 parents were available. Overall, parents reported positive well-being evaluation of their children. However, just over a third of parents also reported that their children rarely cope well on two indicators combined (adapting to new situations and sharing negative emotions with others). Significantly, more than half of the parents (61%) were only partially confident in their ability to assist their children to cope with unique stressors in military families. Qualitative data provided further insights into children's struggle with relocations and parental absence and the challenges parents face in supporting them. Parents reported having limited access to effective age- and culturally appropriate resources to support their young children. In a first-of-its kind study, we found that Australian Defence parents reported their young children were coping on most of the key well-being indicators. However, awareness of currently available supports for children remains a barrier as well as access to contextualised, age- and culturally appropriate resources are lacking. There is a need for access to free, quality, online, research-based Australian resources to support young children from Defence families, especially for those living in regional and rural locations and are less likely to have access to mental health and other specialist supports.

ONLINE LEARNING: A CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS

This study aims to find out what challenges parents face in online learning and to what extent parents are ready for online learning to take place. The research method used is a systematic literature review (SLR). The results of the study show that the challenges faced by parents in online learning include time constraints, learning atmosphere, digital literacy, facilities and infrastructure, gender, children's social development, children's health, and parents' social status. The results of the study also show that parents are not ready for online learning to be implemented. Future research needs to look at parents' views on children's cognitive development in online learning and develop appropriate learning platforms so that teacher-student-parent communication can be well established in online learning

Ambiguous Expectations of Parent Caregiving for the Child and Adolescent With Cancer at the Hospital and at Home-An Ethnographic Study.

Background: Over the past three decades, complex care and treatment have increasingly become the responsibility of parents as home-based care providers, yet little is known about parents' caregiving experiences when considering the variety of care tasks. It is imperative to gain insight into the challenges parents face when managing treatment and care of their child with cancer to ensure optimal parental support and prior to further expansion of home-based parent caregiving. This study aimed to explore the experiences of children and adolescents with cancer, who had received treatment through a portable infusion pump, and their parents in managing different care tasks. It is the first study and forms the basis of the research project INTACTatHome, that develops and tests interventions of home-based intravenous anti-cancer treatment. Methods: Ethnographic fieldwork comprising participant observation and semi-structured interviewing analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Thirteen families participated in the study. Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) being a "mini-nurse"; (2) dividing care; and (3) managing anxiety and fear, each based on separate sub-themes. These themes were bound together by an overarching theme: "Ambiguous expectations of parent caregiving." Discussion: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the varying experiences of children and adolescents and their parents in managing different care tasks for a child or adolescent with cancer. It underscores the need to establish clear expectations of parents as caregivers throughout the cancer treatment trajectory. This perspective is crucial when developing and implementing future home-based care services.

An Exploratory Study on the Challenges Faced by Parents during Online Teaching to Students with Intellectual Disabilities

The purpose of the study was to explore the challenges faced by parents during online teaching to students with intellectual disabilities on account of COVID-19 Pandemic. The objectives of the study included the exploration of behavioral, educational, technical, financial, and health-related problems faced by parents during online teaching. The phenomenological research methodology was used to explore the problem in depth with the help of parents through their lived experiences. The sample of 10 parents and 10 teachers was recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed by using thematic analysis after coding, generating themes for the interpretation of codes. The study revealed that the challenges during online teaching were lack of on-seat behavior of the child, No Eye Contact, distraction to other objects, and hyperactive and aggressive behavior. Teachers reported the problems they faced included difficulty in command following, frequent connectivity Issues, and the child remaining uncomfortable with the device. Major challenges parents face was the short attention span of children, difficulty concentrating on the screen activity, and clash in work-home routines. Future research studies must be conducted in the schools where the administrators are utilizing the online mode as a regular feature now.

Mother as a Teacher at Home : Challenges and Opportunities for Parental Involvement in Online Mathematics Learning for Elementary School Students

Apart from changing learning and teaching habits, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the way parents involve themselves in learning from home. This study explores the challenges parents face when participating in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and what ways can be done to encourage students to learn mathematics online. We use multiple case studies to achieve research objectives. This study involved eight mothers of children in elementary school. Six of them are housewives, and the rest are government employees. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Aside from technical constraints such as the availability of internet networks and infrastructure, the findings of this study show that technological literacy and parental involvement in cognitive, emotional, social, and pedagogical aspects are still lacking. We discussed four key findings, including issues with network availability and technological literacy, issues with parents’ routine work and how to accompany their children, parents’ beliefs about mathematics, and parental involvement in cognitive, affective, social, and pedagogical aspects. Finally, the parents’ learning community must be accommodated, developed, and assisted for their involvement to be more effective.

Development of Self-Efficacy Tools for Parents and Professionals Caring for Children and Young People with Lymphedema (ILF Parent SE and ILF Professional SE).

Background: Self-management is a key aspect of lymphedema treatment and self-efficacy is a key factor linked to long-term adherence to treatment. The study aimed to generate self-efficacy scales to support the care of children and adolescents with lymphedema to support self-management. Methods and Results: Parents of children with lymphedema and the professionals caring for them were recruited during a lymphedema educational camp. Six individual semistructured focus groups were undertaken in Italian, French, and English (three for parents and three for professionals) with simultaneous translation. Scale item generation was developed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and adopted Bandura's self-efficacy concept. Two self-efficacy tools were developed from research with 26 parents and 14 professionals. The parental tool (ILF parent SE) has 6 domains and 44 items: school; home and leisure; understanding the condition and treatment, and managing child and parent emotions. The professional tool (ILF Professional SE) has 4 domains and 21 items. This scale has two parts; the first indicates the level of professional autonomy in decision making, and the second covers assessment and treatment, patient understanding, and managing emotional reactions. Both tools adopt a 0- to 100-point scale using a 10-unit interval with 0 (cannot do) through to 100 (high certainty of being able to do). Initial face validity has been undertaken. Conclusion: Self-efficacy has emerged as a complex issue faced by parents and professionals involved with children and young people with lymphedema. By being able to assess the challenges parents face in self-efficacy individualized programs can be developed that will assist families in managing this complex disease and lead to greater well-being. Increased professional self-awareness will help the development of mentorship programs to support professionals dealing daily with the stress of managing a rare disease in which the outcome may be uncertain.