Qualitative research: The meaning of 'parenting' and the impact of groupwork

A qualitative research study was undertaken as the focus of a Master's degree in Nursing and Education in January to early March 2002. The research focus originated from the author's recent work as a health visitor involved in regular facilitation of postnatal and parenting groups. Although much has been written on parenting education, little explores what parenting means to those attending the classes, or follows up what impact the classes have had on their parenting experiences later. The research method used semi-structured interviews with 11 parents, and employed a phenomenological methodology to listen to the voices of the parents interviewed. The convenience sample included parents who had attended either or both types of classes at least four months previously, and parents who had attended neither. The rich source of data generated indicated that both parenting and postnatal classes can have a long-lasting impact on parenting experience but that they meet different needs.