A Qualitative Study on Play Interaction Experiences of Employed Mothers with Multiple Children Including an Infant, Tackling South Korea’s Low Birthrate

In the context of escalating low birth rates, this study examines the backgrounds and meanings behind the play interactions of working mothers with multiple children, particularly those with infants. Participants engaged in play interactions with their infants at least once a week using easily accessible materials and toys, documenting the play processes and infant responses through video recordings, which were subsequently provided to the researchers. The researchers analyzed these video records of infant-mother play interactions and conducted in-depth qualitative analyses using supplementary methods such as interviews and researcher journals. The findings revealed several key themes. Mothers engaged in play interactions with their children due to a perceived need to learn and improve as inexperienced mothers, driven by a desire to raise their children well. Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills: The play interactions were significant for mothers in terms of acquiring parenting knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The interactions also highlighted the happiness mothers experienced through communication with their children. There was a notable aspiration among mothers to raise children who could contribute positively to society in the future. Given the intensification of the low birth rate phenomenon and the subsequent national and societal focus on encouraging childbirth, this study approaches primary caregivers‘ experiences engaging in play interactions with their children from multiple perspectives. By providing insights into the various positive aspects of these real-life interactions, the study aims to contribute to finding solutions for the low birth rate crisis.