Parenting in Context – Cognitive Difficulties and the Realities of Family Life

Marianne Hedlund; Turid Midjo

doi:10.16993/sjdr.1223

Parenting in Context – Cognitive Difficulties and the Realities of Family Life

Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1

By: Marianne Hedlund and Turid Midjo

Open Access

|Mar 2026

Abstract

This study explores the everyday parenting practices of parents with cognitive difficulties – such as acquired brain injuries or intellectual and developmental disabilities – and examines their lived experiences, including the barriers they face and the resources they rely on. Although Article 23 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities upholds the right to family life, research on parenting with cognitive difficulties remains limited. Using a qualitative design, we conducted two interview rounds with four parents and one additional interview with another parent. A reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) Managing Daily Parenting with Cognitive Challenges, (2) Navigating Barriers to Meet Parenting Aspirations, and (3) Holding Things Together Amid Struggles. Results show that parents deeply value their parenting role and demonstrate resilience yet limited institutional understanding and fragmented services constrain their efforts. Supportive family and social networks can help buffer pressures, but systemic gaps often leave parents isolated and uncertain.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.1223 | Journal eISSN: 1745-3011

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Language: English

Page range: 159 - 171

Submitted on: Oct 25, 2024

Accepted on: Mar 17, 2026

Published on: Mar 31, 2026

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Cognitive Difficulties,

Parenting,

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),

Qualitative research,

Disability,

Family life

© 2026 Marianne Hedlund, Turid Midjo, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1