Navigating Parenthood: Challenges and Insights in Raising Children with Disabilities

The parents of children with disabilities provide lifelong support that encompasses direct care, emotional assistance, medical and financial aid. Therefore, such parents may face significant challenges that lead to substantial physical, social, and emotional stress for families, negatively impacting their parenting self-efficacy. In developing countries like Fiji, these challenges arise due to a lack of resources, support systems, and awareness of disabilities, which can severely impact parental self-efficacy. Although there is research on various aspects of disabilities in Fiji, it relates to different contexts, like inclusive education and participation in sports. However, no studies have specifically focused on the challenges and experiences of parents. To address this research gap, drawn on a social-relational model and the concept of parental self-efficacy, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out to examine the factors affecting parental self-efficacy in caring for children with disabilities during early childhood, while also exploring parents' challenges. Purposive sampling was utilised to recruit nine participants. From February to June 2023, semi-structured interviews lasting 20-30 minutes were conducted to collect data. Participants shared their insights, individual perspectives, and personal experiences concerning their parenting abilities and challenges. In this conference proposal, the challenges and insights encountered by these parents while raising children with disabilities will be presented. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, leading to the emergence of four themes: (1) complexities faced by parents in caring for their children with disabilities, (2) navigating family expectations and support, (3) insufficient awareness and specialised services, and (3) balancing parenting responsibilities. These themes highlighted the need for support, specialised facilities, and resources for parents of children with disabilities. Consequently, sharing these insights will help raise awareness among disability stakeholders and policymakers about the unique challenges parents face in similar contexts, fostering more targeted interventions and support to improve parental self-efficacy and outcomes for children with disabilities.