Abstract
M.Ed.
Parenting is the primary domain for most families. Changes in family structure, due to
changing conditions, mean that often a single parent, normally the residential parent,
assumes the main physical and psychological care of the child. The impact of a
child's learning disability on the family often presents numerous challenges and
dilemmas. The learning difficulty affects the family and is manifested in different
ways. When this difficulty presents in a single parent family, the absence of a second
parent in the home adds extra pressure and a burden to the already existing stresses
that face these single parents.
The child's experience of the disability also affects the manner in which the family
accommodates and deals with this difficulty. In each stage of development the child
is affected in various ways. The pre-adolescent is faced with normal challenges and
adjustments as well as experiencing academic difficulties. The single parent's ability
to react and manage the difficulty is seen in terms of their own personal functioning
and well-being, as well as their personal management of themselves and the learning
disability. This study looks at the manner in which a single parent experiences his
child with learning disabilities.
The theoretical framework for this study includes understanding the single parent
family structure, parenting, learning disabilities in general and the pre-adolescent
developmental stage, through reviewing relevant literature.
The nature of the research is conducted on the basis of a case study design, using
interviews as a method of data collection. Six single parents were selected and indepth
interviews were conducted to understand the experiences of these parents.
The findings were compared and analysed. The data were interpreted and
conclusions drawn, from which recommendations could be made.