Differences and similarities between mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with a disability

Abstract

This qualitative study used focus groups to identify the differences and similarities in the experiences of parents of children with a disability. Two main themes emerged, showing the ways in which the mothers and fathers are alike or different. One concerns roles, actual and expected, in the various subsystems of family life. The other concerns the normalization and stigmatization that arise because of the child's problem. Mothers tend to score better in terms of interpersonal and group communications. It would seem that the fathers' expectations are harder to fulfil than the mothers'. The fathers' expectations are attuned to the outer world; the actual day-to-day tasks related to the child's care are not their priority. The mothers are less demanding and their expectations are more self-focused. Interestingly, these families are similar to families of children without a disability; however, the difficulties they experience are accentuated by the presence of a child with a problem.