Abstract

The global pandemic brought about by COVID-19 has significantly altered the
landscape of education, pushing it towards online platforms and causing immense
challenges for students, teachers, and parents alike. This research explores the lived
experiences of parents after the pandemic, focusing on their journey in supporting their
children’s education in the post-pandemic era. Through a phenomenological study
conducted among parents with children attending Davao Oriental State University-San
Isidro Extension Campus, this paper uncovers several key themes.

Parents highlighted the challenges they faced in navigating the financial burdens
associated with education expenses in the post-pandemic world. Despite these
challenges, they emphasized the intrinsic connection between familial bonds as a
source of true happiness, underscoring the importance of family unity and support.
Additionally, parents discussed the enduring love and sacrifices they made for their
children amidst significant adversity, showcasing their resilience and dedication.

Furthermore, the research delved into the challenges parents encountered in supporting
their children’s education, balancing family life, work, and personal responsibilities. The
changing routines in family dynamics due to external circumstances were also explored,
shedding light on the struggles parents faced in adjusting to new norms. Economic
disparities and financial struggles emerged as prominent themes, with parents grappling
with the impact of job loss and economic uncertainty.

However, amidst these challenges, parents shared coping mechanisms such as faith
and resilience, effective time management, reliance on technology, and finding
enjoyment and relaxation in daily activities. Insights gleaned from parents offer valuable
recommendations for supporting families in the post-pandemic era, emphasizing the
importance of parental involvement, digital literacy, and fostering resilience.

This research provides critical insights into the post-pandemic journey of parents,
highlighting the need for policies and interventions to better support families in a rapidly
changing world. Future research could further explore the strategies employed by
parents from different socioeconomic backgrounds and employ quantitative
methodologies to identify the effectiveness of these strategies in navigating the
challenges of the post-pandemic world.