Strategies for Mindful Parenting During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Elham Baghban Baghestan; Fatemeh Shahabizadeh; Toktam Tabatabaee

doi:10.18502/htaa.v5i4.10171

Elham Baghban Baghestan Psychology Department, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran
Fatemeh Shahabizadeh Psychology Department, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran
Toktam Tabatabaee Psychology Department, Birjand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v5i4.10171

Keywords: COVID-19; Mindfulness; Parenting; Strategy

Abstract

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected people’s lives in all aspects. One of the most critical yet neglected features is parenting and the experience of mindful parenting for kids and their parents.

Objectives: This study systematically reviewed the strategies for mindful parenting during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: In this systematic review, all related databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID (Persian), were used to explore and search for the most relevant articles that had addressed mindfulness in parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. A content analysis approach was applied to categorize the data. Codes were specified to every helpful strategy, and the codes were put in different themes and subthemes subjectively using a framework thematic analysis.

Results: Three studies were included in our review. The two dimensions of mindfulness were considered as two subgroups for strategies identified to improve mindfulness in parenting in the final articles: (1) being in the moment, which means concentrating on the living moment and not worrying, thinking, or ruminating about other problems; and (2) non-judgmental approach, which means avoiding cognitive biases, such as pre-judgment. All suggested strategies could be classified into the mentioned categories.

Conclusions: Strategies such as mindfulness in parenting are becoming more necessary for enhancing the quality of life for kids and their parents. Consequently, there is a need for policymakers and planners to facilitate parenting through social support systems and adjusting to the new situation, which will be on the agenda for a while.