Fathers' Perspectives on Parenting a Child With a Craniofacial Anomaly

Abstract 

Introduction

Although research on healthy children indicates that fathers exert specific and beneficial influences on children's development, there is little research on fathers of children with chronic medical challenges, and none on fathers of children with craniofacial anomalies (CFA). This exploratory study aimed to obtain preliminary information about fathers' experiences of parenting a child with CFA.

Method

Structured telephone interviews were conducted with a volunteer sample of nine fathers of children with CFA. Interviews were summarized using percentages of responses for questions using a rating-scale format, and with excerpts of narratives from open-ended questions.

Results

Most fathers (90%) felt highly optimistic about their children's potential for happiness and life success, although a smaller percentage also expressed worry (21% a lot; 33% some) and concern (11% a lot; 44% some). All fathers described positive attributes in their children. Fathers tended to support their children's peer relationships through encouraging and organizing activities with friends.

Discussion

Fathers' focus on children's effective engagement in the world is consistent with findings on fathering of healthy children. Findings provide hypotheses for future research on fathers' role in the positive development of children with CFA.

Key Words: Parenting, fathers, craniofacial anomalies