Parenting Practices and Challenges of Parents of Children with Special Needs during COVID-19 in Pakistan: A Mixed Method Research

Parenting Practices of Parents of Children with Special Needs

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to affect people in numerous ways in Pakistan and across the world. The current study intended to observe stressors along with the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on parents of children with special needs. It also examined the dynamics of screen time during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Study Design: A Mixed-Method Sequential Explanatory Design was used.

Place and duration of study: The current study was conducted in various special education institutes of Lahore. The duration of data collection was two months.

Material and Methods: A scale on Parenting Response during COVID-19 (α=.75) was used.

Results: The current study highlighted various factors that added stress to the lives of parents of children with special needs during COVID-19. Findings indicate that a lack of recreational activities was the major challenge for parents of children with special needs. Increased screen time for the child with special needs was also reported.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic brought fear, uncertainty, and stress worldwide. Parents who have children with special needs experienced increased stress due to a lack of support, recreational, and educational services. These findings call for programs specifically designed for children with disabilities during crises and support for their parents.

Keywords: COVID-19, children with disabilities, parenting practices, parental mental health, stressors