Parenting Strategies for Children with Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Study on Single Parents
Keywords:
Single parents, developmental delays, parenting strategies, support systems, coping mechanisms, thematic analysis, emotional resilience, community resources, advocacyAbstract
This study aimed to explore the parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms employed by single parents of children with developmental delays. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 23 single parents of children aged 2 to 12 years with diagnosed developmental delays. Participants were recruited through local support groups, online forums, and pediatric clinics. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's framework, was used to identify key themes and subthemes within the data. The study identified three main themes: parenting strategies, support systems, and coping mechanisms. Key parenting strategies included routine establishment, positive reinforcement, adaptive techniques, communication strategies, and behavior management. Support systems encompassed family support, professional support, community resources, and financial assistance. Coping mechanisms highlighted were emotional resilience, social networks, personal time management, seeking knowledge, advocacy and empowerment, spirituality, and adaptability. Participants emphasized the importance of structured routines and positive reinforcement in managing their children's needs, while family and professional support were crucial in alleviating caregiving burdens. Effective coping mechanisms were essential for managing stress and maintaining well-being. Single parents of children with developmental delays employ a variety of effective strategies and support systems to navigate their unique challenges. Emotional resilience and social support networks play a critical role in their ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and resources to support single-parent families, highlighting the importance of flexible services, community resources, and advocacy efforts. Further research should focus on larger, more diverse samples and explore the impact of technological tools in supporting these parents.
Downloads
References
Armstrong, J., Elliott, C., Davidson, E., Mizen, J., Wray, J., & Girdler, S. (2020). The Power of Playgroups: Key Components of Supported and Therapeutic Playgroups From the Perspective of Parents. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 68(2), 144-155. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12708
Bagner, D. M. (2013). Father’s Role in Parent Training for Children With Developmental Delay. Journal of Family Psychology, 27(4), 650-657.https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033465
Bagner, D. M., & Graziano, P. A. (2012). Barriers to Success in Parent Training for Young Children With Developmental Delay. Behavior Modification, 37(3), 356-377.https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445512465307
Baker, J. K., & Crnic, K. A. (2009). Thinking About Feelings: Emotion Focus in the Parenting of Children With Early Developmental Risk. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(5), 450-462.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01161.x
Brumariu, L. E., & Kerns, K. A. (2022). Parent–Child Attachment in Early and Middle Childhood. In The Wiley‐Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Social Development (pp. 425-442).https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119679028.ch23
Chung, C.-Y., Yu, W., Chang, C. J., Chen, C.-L., Tang, S., & Wong, M. K. (2010). The Relationship Between Parental Concerns and Final Diagnosis in Children With Developmental Delay. Journal of Child Neurology, 26(4), 413-419.https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073810381922
Ciciolla, L., Crnic, K. A., & West, S. G. (2013). Determinants of Change in Maternal Sensitivity: Contributions of Context, Temperament, and Developmental Risk. Parenting, 13(3), 178-195.https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2013.756354
Cprek, S. E., Williams, C. M., Asaolu, I. O., Alexander, L., & Vanderpool, R. C. (2015). Three Positive Parenting Practices and Their Correlation With Risk of Childhood Developmental, Social, or Behavioral Delays: An Analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 19(11), 2403-2411.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1759-1
Guo, X., Hao, C., Wang, W., & Li, Y. (2024). Parental Burnout, Negative Parenting Style, and Adolescents’ Development. Behavioral Sciences, 14(3). Kurtz-Nelson, E., & McIntyre, L. L. (2017). Optimism and Positive and Negative Feelings in Parents of Young Children With Developmental Delay. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 61(7), 719-725.https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12378
Lin, C.-L., Lin, C.-K., & Yu, J.-J. (2018). The Effectiveness of Parent Participation in Occupational Therapy for Children With Developmental Delay. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 14, 623-630.https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s158688
McIntyre, L. L. (2008). Adapting Webster‐Stratton's Incredible Years Parent Training for Children With Developmental Delay: Findings From a Treatment Group Only Study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(12), 1176-1192.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01108.x
Ng, C. S. M., Fang, Y., Wang, Z., & Zhang, M. (2021). Potential Factors of Parenting Stress in Chinese Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities,36(4), 237-248.https://doi.org/10.1177/10883576211012599
Paczkowski, E., & Baker, B. L. (2007). Parenting Children With and Without Developmental Delay: The Role of Self‐mastery. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 51(6), 435-446.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00894.x
Rehm, R. S., & Bradley, J. F. (2005). Normalization in Families Raising a Child Who Is Medically Fragile/Technology Dependent and Developmentally Delayed. Qualitative Health Research, 15(6), 807-820.https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732305276754
Taliei, Z., & Moataghedi Fard, M. (2024). Comparison of Cognitive and Emotional Deficiencies Between Parents of Children with Special Needs and Parents of Typically Developing Children. Iranian Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2(4), 36-42.https://maherpub.com/jndd/article/view/43
Zuckerman, K. E., Lindly, O. J., & Sinche, B. K. (2015). Parental Concerns, Provider Response, and Timeliness of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis. The Journal of Pediatrics, 166(6), 1431-1439.e1431.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.03.007
Downloads
Additional Files
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
