Experiencing childhood in Malta

While quality time with parents is a chief concern for children, many did not feel the need to, or had suitable time, to express themselves within their family, particularly with their parents.

This is one of the findings in the publication ‘Experiencing Childhood in Malta’ a Discern Institute for Research on the Signs of the Times research, authored by Rev Dr Joe Inguanez and Rebecca Gatt.

The study, on the Maltese children’s thoughts and attitudes, was commissioned by The Children’s Foundation of the Malta Financial and Services Authority.

This study brought to light specific issues that tended to negatively affect the the psychological wellbeing of children and their relationships with others. Such factors as the parents’ atypical work schedules and the limited availability of resources at home, potentially influenced the emotional and social wellbeing of children.

Although the research focused children, information about the parents was also uncovered.

Parenthood emerged a strongly recurrent theme and children were very open in their responses, where they asserted that the parents’ love and care were unique and very difficult to substitute.

This publication is being sold for €10 from DISCERN’s office, tel: 2124 1924, e-mail: discern@maltadiocese.org .