Parental cooperation between mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome

Abstract

When a child with intellectual disability (including Down syndrome) is born, the character of relations between the mothers and fathers change. A decrease in the available time becomes a challenge and numerous responsibilities impose parental cooperation. The aim of the present study was to answer the following questions that concern the cooperation between mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome: (1) in what ways do mothers and fathers share their responsibilities focused around raising a child with Down syndrome, (2) how do mothers and fathers assess their own attitude towards taking care of their child, (3) how do parents perceive their spouses' attitude towards particular parental responsibilities. The study included 126 parents of children with Down syndrome. The results of the analyses conducted show that the parental responsibilities of mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome are different, they are involved in taking care of their child to a different degree and evaluate their own strain as well as the changes in their lives differently.