The results of our latest online survey of mothers of children with disabilities and immigration experience reveal the deep emotions and needs of these women. They reflect not only the challenges they face, but also sources of inspiration and opportunities to improve the wellbeing and care of children with disabilities.
Women's biggest dreams at the moment:
- Improving their child's health (78.6%)
- Own inner peace and emotional balance (67.9%).
What inspires mothers to keep going?
- The success of their children is the biggest source of inspiration for 78.6% mothers. This shows that their children's achievements help them find the strength to overcome difficulties.
- Communication with other mothers was also important (57.1%), highlighting the importance of support from like-minded individuals.
The impact of time for oneself:
- 61.8% mothers stated that taking time for themselves helps them to feel better, but unfortunately they do not always have this opportunity. 43.6% said that it significantly increases their energy and they find the time and internal resources to do so.
Restoring emotional balance:
- Reading books or watching films were popular ways to restore emotional balance (44.6%).Communication with friends is also important, but many mothers said they rarely had the opportunity to do so (44.6%).
Barriers to implementing self-help:
- The biggest challenges to making time for self-care were caring for a child 24 (66.1%) and fatigue/emotional exhaustion (73.2%).
Frequency of taking time for yourself:
- Only 14.3% mothers manage to find time for themselves each day, while 21.4% have no time at all. This highlights the urgent need for support in creating opportunities for relaxation.
Ways to relax:
- "A change of environment or travel" was chosen by 75% of the mothers surveyed as a way to recuperate. A walk in the fresh air - 53.6%. Time for hobbies - 41.1%.
Time for yourself:
- 75% female respondents believe that support programmes would help them spend more time with themselves.
- Reducing the daily workload (53.6%) is also an important factor in finding time for one's own needs.
The results of the survey show that mothers of children with disabilities with refugee experience are inspired by their children's successes and support each other in return, but at the same time face many challenges in finding time for themselves that they cannot overcome alone. Family support, the development of support programmes and a reduction in workload can make their lives much easier. It is important that society creates the conditions for the emotional recovery of such women so that they can provide the best possible future for their children and remain resilient.
On our social media (FB) you can read the advice given by the respondents to other mothers who also have children with disabilities, with and without refugee experience.
Overall survey results:
- How often do you manage to find time for yourself?
Daily - 8 (14.3%)
Several times a week - 15 (26.8%)
Once a month or less - 21 (37.5%)
I have no time for myself at all - 15 (26.8%) - What helps you to relax and recuperate?
Time for hobbies - 23 (41.1%)
Communication with relatives - 15 (26.8%)
Outdoor walk - 30 (53.6%)
Reading books or watching films - 21 (37.5%)
Change of environment/travelling to a new place - 42(75%) - What factors most often prevent you from taking more time for yourself?
Permanent childcare - 37 (66.1%)
Lack of support from others - 18 (32.1%)
Guilt about taking time for oneself - 13 (23.2%)
Fatigue and emotional exhaustion - 41 (73.2%) - How do you usually restore emotional balance?
Talking to friends - 17 (30.4%)
Meditation or yoga - 7 (12.5%)
Viewing inspirational material (films, books) - 25(44.6%)
I rarely find the opportunity to do this - 25(44.6%)
My own version - 16(28.6%) - How do you think taking time for yourself affects your wellbeing and childcare?
Increases my strength and energy - 26 (47.3%)
It helps me feel better, but I don't always have the time - 30(54.5%)
Has little impact as I rarely have time for myself - 8(14.5%)
It's hard to say because I rarely pay attention - 8(14.5%) - What would help you take more time for yourself?
Support from family or friends - 20(35.7%)
Access to support programmes for mothers of children with disabilities - 42(75%)
Time management consultancy - 7 (12.5%)
Reduction in daily workload - 30 (53.6%)
My own option - 6 (10.7%) - What inspires you most as a mum of a child with a disability?
My child's success - 44 (78.6%)
Support from family and friends - 13 (23.2%)
Communication with other mothers in a similar situation - 18 (32.1%)
Awareness of own strength and resilience - 36(64.3%)
My own option - 4(7.1%) - What words would you use to describe your emotions during the day? (you can choose several options)
Fatigue - 48 (85.7%)
Inspiration - 11(19.6%)
Care - 40 (71.4%)
Gratitude - 19 (33.9%)
Powerlessness - 23(41.1%)
Joy - 14 (25%) - What helps you feel part of society and the community?
Communication with other parents of children with disabilities - 26 (47.3%)
Participation in community events and initiatives - 26 (47.3%)
Social networks and online communities - 23 (41.8%)
Sense of support from social services or foundations - 34 (61.8%) - What changes would you like to see in society's attitude towards families raising children with disabilities?
More understanding and support from the state - 37 (66.1%)
Increased level of tolerance and respect - 35 (62.5%)
Creation of additional support programmes - 44 (78.6%)
Development of inclusive education and infrastructure - 38 (67.9%)
My own option - 4 (7.1%) - What is your biggest dream or wish at the moment?
More time for yourself - 18 (32.1%)
Improving my child's health - 44 (78.6%)
Being able to work or do what I love - 29 (518%)
Finding inner peace and emotional balance - 38(67.9%)
My own option - 2(3.6%) - How important is regular rest to you?
Very important for my physical and emotional health - 40(54.8%)
Important but not always possible - 32(31.5%)
I don't always notice its impact - 1(1.8%)
I do not consider rest necessary - 0 - How does rest affect your wellbeing and ability to care for your child?
After resting, I feel much more energetic and calm - 34(61.8%)
I feel better, but find it difficult to find time for regular rest - 24(43.6%)
Even after rest, it is difficult to fully recover due to constant responsibilities - 14(25.5%)
Rest has no noticeable effect on my condition as I am very exhausted - 5(9.1%) - How do you find time to relax or take care of yourself?
I plan ahead and arrange for family support - 18(32.7%)
I take advantage of short moments during the day for myself - 26(47.3%)
I rest when my child is asleep or busy - 26(47.3%)
I rarely manage to find time for myself - 5(9.1%)
My own version - 4(7.3%) - What kind of rest helps you recover the most?
Sleep or short rest at home - 28(50%)
Nature walk - 29(51.8%)
Doing things I enjoy, such as reading or hobbies - 27(48.2%)
Communication with friends or participation in social events - 15(26.8%)
Time in solitude without external obligations - 32(57.1%) - What advice would you share with other mothers of children with disabilities to help them look after themselves? (Answer in free form.)
The survey was conducted online among 56 respondents in October 2024.
