Children Raising Children: A cross-sectional survey of parental perceptions and practices regarding sibling caretaking in rural Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background The phenomenon of children raising children, or older children caretaking for younger children is under-investigated and can significantly impact child development and family wellbeing outcomes. Methods The perceptions and practices of 150 parents towards sibling caretaking in rural Pakistan were explored through mixed methods surveys and interviews. Results 73% of parents assign sibling caretaking responsibilities to their daughters primarily, and 89% ask the eldest child to care for younger siblings, while only 2% reported never assigning this responsibility to a child. Caretaking responsibilities include feeding, bathing, disciplining, and putting the younger siblings to sleep. 95% reported assigning these responsibilities to their eldest child as their personal choice; 79% reported sibling caretaking is aligned with traditional practices/beliefs, although 89% agreed it is unrelated to religious obligations. Conclusions The findings hold implications for provision of nurturing care services for young children to support their health, education, childcare, social engagement in resource-constrained settings where children are expected to care for their siblings.