Building Dreams: Lived Experiences of Parents Supporting their Children in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular participation can support children's social, emotional, and developmental growth, yet sustained participation often depends on substantial parental support.This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of parents who support their children's extracurricular activities in Calinan West, Division of Davao City.Ten parents participated in in-depth interviews, and the narratives were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in challenges, coping strategies, and personal insights.The findings showed three major challenges: time management difficulties, financial constraints, and the strain of balancing family and work responsibilities.Parents addressed these barriers through effective time management, financial adjustments, and reliance on community or family support.The study also found that parental involvement in extracurricular activities strengthened parent-child relationships, generated personal fulfillment and pride, and deepened parents' recognition of extracurricular activities as a key contributor to holistic child development.The findings highlight the complexity of parental involvement and support the need for school, community, and policy interventions that improve affordability, access, and family support mechanisms.