This research focused on the needs of mothers in single-parent families who have experience raising children with developmental difficulties. The difficulties in their children's development became apparent during adolescence. Their needs were researched, how they faced the challenges of that period, their strategies for helping themselves and their children, and the role of formal and informal help that they received (or did not receive). The research was qualitative, with 6 interviews conducted. The small number of interviews is a result of the low response rate of mothers to the interviews. The data was processed using open and axial coding. The key categories that stood out were hardship, the role of the father, the importance of the social network, and experiences with professional help. The results showed that mothers feel guilty about their children's behavior, exhausted, and desperate. Obstacles to their role were caused by low child support, lack of time, and stigmatization. It has been shown that a secure relationship with the child is important, creative approaches have been used in raising children with developmental difficulties, and there is a desire for more and better professional and informal support. There is a lack of professional programs for parents in single-parent families and theoretically based knowledge on this topic.
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