Syria

Abstract

Background: The way parents care for children during displacement plays a key role in their emotional and behavioural outcomes. Sparse literature exists regarding the parenting challenges faced by families fleeing conflict in transitional, preresettlement stages. This study aimed to identify the parenting experiences of Syrian families living in refugee camps, focusing on understanding how their parenting had changed and the impact this had on their parenting.<br/>Method: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 27 mothers living in refugee contexts, plus two interviews with professional aid workers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.<br/>Results: Data were structured in three themes; 1) environmental challenges; 2) child specific challenges, such as an increase in negative behaviours and emotions and symptoms of trauma; 3) parent specific challenges, including maladaptive parenting techniques and emotional difficulties. Parents reported how these challenges impacted on their perceived ability to support their children. <br/>Conclusion: Parents struggled physically and emotionally to support their children. There are clear ways such challenges could be addressed by parenting interventions to reduce the trauma impact experienced by children, the challenges they are living with and will face in the future. This study is important for policy and humanitarian organisations working in preresettlement contexts.<br/>