Lived Experiences of Working Mothers Raising Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder While Balancing Work Responsibilities

Maria Cristina Salac Florentino

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.88250

Lived Experiences of Working Mothers Raising Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder While Balancing Work Responsibilities

Author(s)	Ms. Maria Cristina Salac Florentino
Country	Philippines
Abstract	This study explored the lived experiences of working mothers raising children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) while balancing employment and caregiving responsibilities in the Philippines. Guided by Role Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study employed a qualitative phenomenological design and Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Eight working mothers were purposively selected based on established inclusion criteria, including primary caregiving responsibility for a child with a documented clinical diagnosis of ADHD and concurrent employment. Data were generated through researcher-developed, semi-structured, in-depth virtual interviews and analyzed through systematic identification of significant statements, formulated meanings, theme clustering, and synthesis of the essence of the experience. Trustworthiness was supported through bracketing, reflexive journaling, verbatim transcription, an audit trail, and member checking. Five themes emerged: (1) navigating the dual burden of motherhood and employment; (2) emotional, physical, psychological, and financial strain of caregiving; (3) developing adaptive coping strategies and resilience; (4) the crucial role of support systems; and (5) transformation of maternal and professional identity. Participants described continuous negotiation among caregiving, employment, household, and personal responsibilities. They also described resilience through acceptance, spirituality, positive reframing, structured routines, self-care, and advocacy. Family members, workplaces, schools, and professionals served as important sources of support, although access to support differed across participants. The findings indicate that sustainable support for working mothers of children with ADHD requires attention not only to individual coping but also to family, educational, workplace, healthcare, community, and policy contexts. The study proposes an integrated support framework to guide family-centered, school-responsive, and workplace-supportive practices. Keywords: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, working mothers, lived experiences, phenomenology, caregiving, resilience, support systems, maternal identity, Philippines
Keywords	Working Mothers, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Work Responsibilities, Caregiving, Phenomenology, Maternal Resilience
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-26
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.88250

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Lived Experiences of Working Mothers Raising Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder While Balancing Work Responsibilities

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