PARENTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA

Summary/Abstract: Parenting Children with Disabilities (CWD) is a challenge. This study explored experiences of parenting CWD in rural South Africa. A qualitative approach using a phenomenological design was used with four participants. Semi-structured personal interviews were used to get the experiences of parenting CWD. Data were analysed thematically to gain experiences of parenting CWD experiences. The results show that parenting CWD was challenging and caused stress to parents and the rest of society. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: peer support groups; exhaustion; public transport systems within communities; parental distress and embarrassment; stigma, and discrimination. Peer support groups helped parents of CWD to cope with parenting challenges. Parenting roles for CWD rested more on females than males, possibly due to the constant care CWD need. CWD was a burden because it stressed the mothers, parents, and relatives. Parents with disabled children experienced stigmatisation and isolation from the community.

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