Feeling the emotions, finding the resources: a pathway toward balanced parenting?

The pandemic made childcare a major challenge for parents globally, both in the short and longer term. In this context, it is plausible that emotions general distress experienced by have had an impact at multiple levels their relationships with children, potentially increasing vulnerability. present study focuses on analysis of prevailing Italian during first lockdown, investigating possible associations personal perceptions well-being readiness to cope emergency situation. 319 (93% mothers) answered semi-structured computer assisted web interview (CAWI; Kurniawan, 2018). answers showed went through intense emotions, negative, like worry anxiety (39.2% named only negative 32% as prevalent) positive emotional, hope, serenity joy (7.8% indicated 9.5% prevalent). Parents’ perceived proved be important resources linked higher level perception being adequately equipped deal emergency. Emotion management emerged key area affecting parents’ way relating children strict lockdown: declared need supported building emotional relationship stressing situation, highlighting difficulty communicate own emotionality.