Abstract
This study aims to identify the challenges faced by families raising children with disabilities and to generate new hypotheses regarding the factors contributing to these challenges. We conducted two investigations involving three mothers of children with disabilities. First, we conducted structured interviews with these mothers, examining their views on family relationships, specifically marital and father-child relationships. In the second phase, we conducted a focus group, exploring the mothers' perceptions of not only marital and father-child relationships but also the mother-child relationship. Conversely, it was noted that the limited time fathers spend with their children makes it challenging for a father-child bond to form. These observations highlighted three key areas needing attention for families with children with disabilities: 1) the lack of paternal sensitivity, which impacts both father-child and marital relationships; 2) the time constraints fathers face in interacting with their children, often influenced by traditional gender roles; and 3) a developmental time lag between fathers and mothers. These findings generated the hypothesis that such issues complicate the sharing of childcare responsibilities between partners.
https://ror.org/05n7t1e46 
