Perception of Mothers: Family Disputes and Its Impact on Learning and Development of Children

Background: The early childhood development stage is highly critical in setting up cognitive, affective, and social skills for learning and overall well-being. Objectives: The purpose of the study were to explore how family disputes affect the learning and development of children and to assess the challenges and coping strategies of mothers at a time of family dispute.Methods: The study used phenomenological approach under the qualitative research design. Rupandehi district of Nepal was selected as a research site, which is the suitable place to witness the complexity of early childhood learning in conflict-affected families. Early childhood development (ECD) centers were focused in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 mothers. Semi-structured and open-ended interview was taken at ECD centers and homes of the participants (HP) through creating a good and comfortable environment. All interviews were audio-recorded by taking permission. Transcripts were carefully read and repeatedly reviewed. The initial codes were allocated and developed it into the organizing and global theme. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique in this study.Results: The findings showed that the physical presence of father, destructive home environment, imitation of children from family disputes and alcohol consumption of parents have impact negatively in learning of children and maternal coping strategies and mitigation of family disputes have the positive effect in learning and development of children. Conclusion: Family conflict and emotional distress of children, destructive home environment, fight within couple have negative effect and family dynamics, parental emotional support has positive effect in children’s learning. Many mothers have been facing the challenge of domestic violence. Even though, they have coping and mitigating strategies. A conscious effort of mother and father is necessary to avoid family dispute.