Parenting in a Pandemic With Multiple Sclerosis

The present research used the interview-diary-interview method to obtain qualitative data from eight mothers in the UK with multiple sclerosis (MS) about their experiences of parenting during the Covid pandemic. The findings showed that the pandemic had been a significant factor in exacerbating existing experiences of parenting with MS. Participants in the study became more aware of their MS during the pandemic, due to losing support networks, and the government assignment of risk categories. This increased awareness of their MS combined with ideologies of ‘good mothering’ led the mothers to engage in actions to mitigate the impact of their MS (perceived or actual) on their children. Overall, the findings showed that participants were required to engage in a complex balancing of social, psychological, and biological factors, both within private and public spheres.