Challenges faced by parents raising children living with raising children living with disabilities in Mhinga Communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Raising a child living with a disability presents a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for parents. A supportive environment fosters resilience, self-awareness, and inclusiveness, enabling children to thrive and reach their full potential. The purpose of the study was to explore the challenges faced by parents of children living with disabilities in disadvantaged families within the Mhinga communities. The study used qualitative methods to gain a clear understanding of the experiences that the participants encountered. An interpretive research paradigm was adopted, and an exploratory research design was used to examine the circumstances. Fifteen participants were purposively selected, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The information was then examined using thematic analysis. The following are the study findings: parents of children living with disabilities endure significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges. The study further found that parents raising children living with disabilities often face social isolation and stigma while struggling with insufficient support and inaccessible infrastructure, which complicates their daily caregiving duties. The study also identified the following strategies to support parents in raising children with disabilities: early involvement, working with healthcare professionals, changing parenting styles to meet the child’s needs, and encouraging them to be independent.