Work-family fit: Voices of parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders

Employed parents of children with emotional or behavioral disorders overcome significant challenges to fulfill their daily work-family responsibilities; however, their experiences in meeting these multiple demands have not been examined. The purpose of the present study was to describe the strategies these parents use and their perceptions about how caregiving and employment responsibilities can successfully fit together. Findings of five focus groups conducted with 41 employed parents whose children had been diagnosed with mental health problems are presented. Qualitative analysis was used to identify major themes across the areas of employment responsibilities and adaptations, child care arrangements, and achieving fit between job and home. Results revealed that parents experience a serious lack of community-based services and resources necessary to support work and family obligations in a meaningful way. The data suggest a need for more research and services development to support these families in their communities.