Abstract

DE GOEDE, Christine  and  GREEFF, Abraham. Challenges couples face in managing family routines after the transition to parenthood. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2016, vol.52, n.3, pp.313-331. ISSN 2312-7198.  https://doi.org/10.15270/52-2-512.

Family routines improve family stability. However, it is unclear what impedes the formation of stable routines after life transitions. In this paper we discuss normative challenges that 10, mostly low-income, couples face in managing routines after becoming parents. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: temporal incongruence, schedule derailment, and factors that increase task and temporal complexity. The seven sub-themes of the latter theme were transport limitations, workplace schedules, extended family involvement, child-related difficulties, health complications, incongruence between family member needs, and a composite of these factors. Results underscore the need to address context-specific family challenges related to time restrictions and scheduling.

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