CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

  This study began with the question, "Does the Chungbuk childcare support policy capture the parenting difficulties and needs of primary caregivers? Through interviews with primary caregivers raising children aged 0~6 (preschoolers), this study aims to diagnose parenting difficulties not captured by quantitative research and suggest policy directions for families with young children.

  There were 22 participants (21 women and 1 man) and their occupations included 10 housewives, 8 office workers (including 3 on parental leave), 2 self-employed, 1 farmer and 1 freelancer. A total of seven interviews were conducted in groups of 3~4 people, each lasting 90 minutes. Data analysis was carried out immediately after data collection in order to meet the research objectives, and was carried out comprehensively on the basis of the transcriptions once all the data had been collected. The data analysis method consisted of three steps: open coding, categorization and category checking.

  As a result of the analysis, the categories of parenting difficulties were identified as 'prelude to parenting', 'double-edged sword' and 'barriers to parenting' and the sub-components of 'prelude to parenting' were 'pregnancy preparation' and the 'double-edged sword' were 'growth as a parent' and 'burnout from parenting'. The 'barriers to parenting' consisted of 'poor parenting', 'large perception gap between couples', 'everyday obstacles to parenting', 'walking on eggshells at work', 'lack of human and material resources and services for parenting', and 'spoils of being a primary caregiver'.

  The overarching category of the study is ‘barriers to parenting’ in which primary caregivers feel overwhelmed and intimidated by parenting and experience marital conflict due to their spouse's lack of understanding of their parenting challenges. The high cost of childcare and the inability to respond when a child falls ill during the working day were the main challenges. Primary caregivers may experience a lack of time for themselves, a sense of social abandonment due to career interruptions, and negative emotions such as depression and anger. These are some policy directions to alleviate the challenges of raising infants and toddlers. 

  First, in the area of strengthening public childcare support services, policy directions include pilot projects for care of sick children, expansion of part-time childcare centers, expansion of the number and hours of babysitters, and operation of a system for selecting hours for postpartum support.

  Second, health care support will be expanded in the areas of at-risk children, postpartum depression counseling, and specialist visiting health services. 

  Third, in the area of childcare cost relief, postpartum care expenses, grandparent care allowance, and special activity expenses for childcare centers. 

  Fourth, in the area of activating the provision of childcare information, the operation of a childcare advice line, the establishment of a public platform for childcare information, and the promotion of public childcare services. 

  Fifth, in the area of improving parenting and family relationships, we are providing support for parental rest, promoting co-parenting, and providing counseling services for couples with first-born children.

  Finally, in the area of improving awareness of parenting and creating a culture of respect, we are changing the perception of parental leave, socially recognizing parenting careers, supporting indoor mats, preventing the spread of child-free zones, and activating parenting communities.