Managing turning points and transitions in childhood and parenthood - insights from families with disabled children in Norway

Authors:
YTTERHUS Borgunn, WENDELBORG Christian, LUNDEBY Hege
Journal article citation:
Disability and Society, 23(6), October 2008, pp.625-636.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

This article explores turning points and transitions emerging in the life course of children with disabilities and their parents.  The article is based on longitudinal data from two parallel studies in Norway.  Through in-depth interviews with parents the study found that a change appears in disabled children's social participation and belonging, at approximately eight years of age for children with learning difficulties and at approximately ten years of age for children with mobility difficulties. Most of the parents experienced a 'turning point' that directed them into either marginal or inclusive positions in adulthood. The 'transition' emerges at a time described as a stable period of life for families in general and illustrates parents' experiences of the importance of both 'doing' and 'being' in parenthood and childhood. Parents' experiences are strongly interwoven with the child's life and access or lack of access to services and relational responses.

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, longitudinal studies, parenting, parents, physical disabilities, children, disabilities, families;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Norway
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1360-0508
ISSN print:
0968-7599

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