Qualitative Study of Parents’ “Learning” in Childrearing at an Early Childhood Education and Care Facility

Abstract

  This study examined parents’ “learning” about childrearing through a qualitative analysis, focusing on their meetings at an early childhood education and care facility.

  The subjects of the survey were 69 parents of 1- to 3-year-old children who participated in six meetings in the 201X to 201X+1 school year.

  We can identify three aspects of parents’ “learning” during childrearing process. (1) Parents observe and interpret their child’s daily appearance to narrate their child’s episodes and feelings. (2) Parents confront themselves and reflect on their parenting through the act of speaking at parents’ meetings. (3) Parents become more understanding and establish a relationship in which they empathize with others’ thoughts and feelings.

  This study confirms that by connecting and talking with each other, parents can learn from each other, build relationships in which they raise their children together, and establish their identity as parents.