Talking with Parents: Qualitative Analysis of the Challenges of Parenting Children of Different Ages

Abstract

Parenting is a very responsible and demanding life role that takes place in the context of various social changes. The dynamics of the modern family, parents' expectations and aspirations, changes in perceptions of the nature of children and parental authority, rapid technological development, and availability of various information on positive parenting present just some of the factors that can shape subjective parenting. Research that focuses on parents, specifically qualitative studies focused on the subjective experiences and concerns of parents of children of different ages are very rare in Croatia. This paper presents the results of a qualitative research that aimed to explore the personal experiences and challenges of parents of children of different ages – parents of children in early and late childhood, adolescence, and children in emerging adulthood. Qualitative research was conducted in different regions of Croatia and a total of 103 parents (90 mothers and 13 fathers) participated in 16 focus groups. Results include detailed analysis of research topics, with the categorisation of personal experiences and challenges of parents of children of different ages.