Managing early years children at home: An investigation into parental practices amidst COVID-19

The lethal COVID-19 has drastically influenced normal life, not of people but of nations across the globe. To curb the spread of the novel virus, global restrictions subjected to the closures of workplaces, shops, malls, and schools had confined people to their houses. While parents, dealt with pressures of financial insecurities, reduced social support, increased work hours owing to online working, and carrying on with the household, thereby emulating teachers to ensure effective online learning had been a real struggle. This study, therefore, aims at understanding the factors, affecting parenting amidst and post COVID-19. The purposeful sample yielded 8 participants comprised of 5 mothers and 3 fathers; who necessarily have one or more children under the age of 6. All participants were conveniently approached through social media. However, to ensure inclusivity, an uneducated mother belonging to the lower middle class was personally approached for participation in the study. Thematic analysis was conducted to deduce meanings from the data gathered through one on one interviews with the participants. Interestingly, the findings revealed that factors affecting parenting differ for both genders. Isolation, though, took its toll on parents, mothers, however, have turned more harsh and aggressive in their dealings with their children. Fathers called COVID-19 as a blessing in disguise, as they had more time to spend with their children. The findings of the study will be beneficial for parents, the government, and society on the whole. There is also a need for counseling services for parents that can help them in addressing their shortcomings while parenting young children in stressful times.