Couples’ lived experiences of the transition to parenthood by fostering a child

Abstract

This study explored the under-researched phenomenon of first-time parenthood through fostering, utilizing an interpretative phenomenological approach. Three heterosexual couples, over the age of forty, with at least seven years of parental experience, participated in both joint and individual interviews. The findings’ emergent themes encompassed the particularity of this transition to parenthood, which incorporated a vast range of emotions. The participants anticipated challenges and unpredictability, while emphasizing the need for flexibility and complete commitment from each other’s partner. Fostering a child brought joy and helped them discover their newly found parental identity, but it also involved complexities exclusive to the fostering experience. They were tasked to care for children with trauma, whilst having to navigate a complex foster care system, highlighting the importance for a strong support network. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research were presented.