Till Örebro universitet

INTRODUCTION: The family life of people living with one family member with deafblindness has been sparsely described.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to explore how children experience their everyday family life when having a parent with deafblindness.

METHODS: An explorative study in which data have been collected by qualitative interviews of children. Qualitative content analysis has been used for analysing the data.

RESULTS: Overall theme; Living an ordinary life-yet not, is based on four categories with subcategories. A family like any other describes: Having the same family life as their friends, Acting like other children and It is what it is. Different everyday life describes: Acknowledging differences, Adjusting to the parent's needs and Financial strain. Being there for the parent describes: Helping the parent and Protecting the parent from harm. Being emotionally affected describes: Feelings of frustration, Feelings of compassion and Need for support.

CONCLUSION: Children as relatives of parents with deafblindness have been given a voice. The children live an ordinary life, but at the same time a different ordinary life. Professionals need to take the child and their needs into account when support is given.