Parenthood in transition – Somali-born parents’ experiences of and needs for parenting support programmes

Fatumo A. Osman · Marie Klingberg‐Allvin · Renée Flacking · Ulla‐Karin Schön

112 citations0/0 files storedBMC International Health and Human Rights

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Migration, Health and Trauma Migration, Refugees, and Integration Education and experiences of immigrants and refugees

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pre- and post-migration trauma due to forced migration may impact negatively on parents' ability to care for their children. Little qualitative work has examined Somali-born refugees' experiences. The aim of this study is to explore Somali-born refugees' experiences and challenges of being parents in Sweden, and the support they need in their parenting. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken. Data were collected from four focus group discussions (FGDs) among 23 Somali-born mothers and fathers living in a county in central Sweden. Qualitative content analysis has been applied. RESULTS: A main category, Parenthood in Transition, emerged as a description of a process of parenthood in transition. Two generic categories were identified: Challenges, and Improved parenting. Challenges emerged from leaving the home country and being new and feeling alienated in the new country. In Improved parenting, an awareness of opportunities in the new country and ways to improve their parenting was described, which includes how to improve their communication and relationship with their children. The parents described a need for information on how to culturally adapt their parenting and obtain support from the authorities. CONCLUSIONS: Parents experienced a process of parenthood in transition. They were looking to the future and for ways to improve their parenting. Schools and social services can overcome barriers that prevent lack of knowledge about the new country's systems related to parenthood. Leaving the home country often means separation from the family and losing the social network. We suggest that staff in schools and social services offer parent training classes for these parents throughout their children's childhood, with benefits for the child and family.

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References

2008The qualitative content analysis process 2002Why We Need a New Welfare State 1995Qualitative Research Methods for Health Professionals 2004Migration and mental health 2005Mental Health of Immigrants and Refugees 2008Focus group discussion: a tool for health and medical research.2006Immigrants’ social rights in comparative perspective: welfare regimes, forms in immigration and immigration policy regimes 2003Traumatic events, migration characteristics and psychiatric symptoms among Somali refugees

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2018Practitioner Review: Mental health problems of refugee children and adolescents and their management 2022Parenting Interventions for Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Families: A Systematic Review 2017Effects of a culturally tailored parenting support programme in Somali-born parents’ mental health and sense of competence in parenting: a randomised controlled trial 2018Being a Father in My New Society: A Qualitative Study of the Fathering Experiences of Men from Refugee Backgrounds Resettled in Australia

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