Daughters of Mothers With Multiple Sclerosis: Their Experiences of Play

Abstract

A woman who is my unending inspiration of strength and courage. ABSTRACTThis study described the play experiences of daughters who were caregivers to their mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS). The experiences of four CanadianCaucasian women aged 19-26 were captured using phenomenological methods of individual and focus group interviews, field notes, and artefacts. Three themes with supporting sub-themes emerged: (a) being a good daughter, (b) blurred relationship boundaries, and (c) encumbered play. Caregiving for their mothers was part of being a good daughter. Excessive caring duties changed their roles from being daughters to caregivers and contributed to feelings of maturity over peers. Their mother-daughter relationship boundaries were blurred and the participants wished to spend more time as daughters. Play, although sometimes limited, was highly valued and provided an escape from caregiving. Using family systems theory to interpret the findings, it was concluded that support for families living with MS would release children from caregiving duties so rounded childhood play could be experienced. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Adolescents' experiences on coping with parental multiple sclerosis: a grounded theory study

“…An interesting finding in our study is the feeling of guilt, which seems related to the relationship parent‐adolescent and the adolescents' perception of themselves as good carers; parallel to Jonzon and Goodwin (). Further, the feeling of shame, that some felt, seems related to their parents appearing different from their peers’ parents and echoes the feeling of guilt, consistent with Horner ().…”

“…(), and they miss being acknowledged for their contributions, consistent with Turpin et al . (), Jonzon and Goodwin () and Bjorgvinsdottir and Halldorsdottir (). The results of this study further indicate that parents who initiate openness to their adolescents' peers may enhance support offered and thus ease the burden, consistent with Turpin et al .…”

Being we and being me: Exploring the needs of Austrian families with caring children

“…Young carers express the desire for private spaces that offer them time to relax and be like any other child (Frank, 1995;McAndrew et al, 2012;Metzing & Schnepp, 2008;Moore & McArthur, 2007;Nigel et al, 2003;Phelps, 2012). These private spaces may also include opportunities for young carers' to interact with friends, pursue their hobbies or just have fun (Elf et al, 2011;Jonzon & Goodwin, 2012).…”

Adults' recollections and perceptions of childhood caregiving to a parent with significant physical disability

“…27, 28 These studies have found that child caregiving demands differ across health conditions necessitating caregiving (e.g., debilitating physical conditions, serious mental health illness, alcoholism). Fears of social service interventions and removal of children from homes prevent some families from seeking formal support services; 7, 10, 12, 25 furthermore, disability can disrupt parental relationships, precipitating divorces and complicating custody decisions.…”