| Abstrakt: |
Stroke is estimated to occur in approximately 2.53.2 children per 100,000 annually. While some aspects of mothering a disabled child are currently known, there are other aspects of this experience that remain unknown. Much of the research focuses on children who are severely disabled, thus leaving a gap in what is known about the experience of mothers of mildly to moderately disabled children. Little is understood about mothering children who have a less severe disability, and in particular, a 3 to 6year old child with hemiparesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of mothering a 3 to 6year old child with hemiparesis. This study incorporated a phenomenological approach using Colaizzi's 1978 descriptive methodology. The participants were five biological mothers of children aged 36 years who were diagnosed with hemiparesis following a stroke. The children were considered mildly to moderately disabled and required two to three therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or special education. Indepth, facetoface interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed verbatim. By using Colaizzi's method for data analysis, the following six themes emerged 1 Mothers' Way to Know, 2 Being Blown Away, 3 Gradual Awakening to an Uncertain Future, 4 Fiercely Advocating for My Child, 5 Living in a Middle World, and 6 A Heart Filled with Joy and Sorrow. This study provided data that were used to provide a beginning description of the experience of mothering a child with hemiparesis. |
