Research 

The study aimed to explore parenting as experienced by mothers of preschool age children. The researcher aimed to gain an understanding of these mothers’ perception of their parental role, their major challenges experienced in fulfilling this role, their availability and use of support systems and parenting resources and their needs for further support. The study was undertaken at St Joseph’s Marist College with a further aim of using the results to highlight key areas for possible support for parents at the pre-school. This study was conducted as an exploratory qualitative study. The researcher used non-probability, purposive sampling and mothers who currently have a preschool child and where both parents are living in the home were included. Eighteen participants were interviewed by means of a face-to-face interview using an interview schedule as a guideline. The data were transcribed and analysed using Tesch’s (1990, cited in de Vos, Strydom, Fouche & Delport, 1998) method of analysis. The participants described their parental role primarily as that of caregiver, nurturer and teacher/guide. The findings further revealed that participants’ major challenges to role fulfilment could be grouped according to three areas, namely, factors within the child; factors within the parent and the broader social context. It was highlighted that participants rely heavily on emotional and instrumental support from their partners and extended family. It was also identified that the participants readily make use of other parents and the internet as a source of parenting resources. It became evident that the child’s teacher is an underutilised resource for informational support for parents. Participants highlighted the key areas which they would like resources to focus on. It was also identified that parents need affirmation and reassurance in their role as parents. Recommendations are made to St Joseph’s Marist College at the level of management, the pre-school staff and the school social worker. 

Thesis (MSocSc)--University of Cape Town, 2013