Navigating parenthood: a qualitative study of parental guidance and support in Norwegian child health clinics

Previous research shows that early childhood care has a significant impact on lifelong health. Supportive and nurturing parenting promotes resilience, while adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of health and developmental challenges. Studies also indicate that the foundation of the parental role is shaped by one's own upbringing. In Norwegian antenatal care and child health clinic (CHC) services, healthcare professionals are expected to discuss parenting with parents. However, we have limited knowledge about how parental guidance is delivered and experienced during CHC consultations.

To explore how parents and public health nurses (PHNs) experience the integration of parental guidance in routine CHC consultations, particularly in relation to challenges in early parenthood, and how these services can best support families through existing contact.

We conducted a qualitative interview-based study consisting of in-depth interviews with eight mothers and one father, as well as two focus group interviews with eight PHNs from two medium-sized municipalities in Norway.

Based on an analysis of interviews with both parents and PHNs, four themes were developed: 1) challenges in parenthood: from time constraints to taboo emotions; 2) experiences from their own upbringing: continuation and change; 3) encountering the child health clinic: safe and accessible - primarily for mother and child; and 4) parental guidance: unnoticeably present.

Parents and PHNs described CHCs as safe and accessible but noted that parental guidance was often subtle or unclear. PHNs emphasized joint reflection around parenthood but faced time constraints. Parents valued reflecting on their own upbringing and called for extended follow-up and greater inclusion of fathers. Tailoring guidance to family needs - combining reflective and direct approaches - may strengthen support and promote family relationships.