Abstract:
This phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experiences of five purposively selected
Filipino mothers with a child clinically diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
(ADHD). It focuses on the challenges they face, the discipline techniques they utilize and the
influences affecting these techniques. The study capitalized on in-depth interview with an aide
memoir as the data gathering tool. Results show that characteristics of the parent, the child, and the
environment and the interactions among these factors affect how a mother forms her discipline
strategies. Three zones of influences that affect the discipline strategies used by parents have been
identified: Nature Zone of Influence which illustrates the inherent child factor; Nurture Zone of
Influence which illustrates the intrinsic maternal factor; and Natural Zone of Influence which
illustrates the external and environmental factors. The zones are depicted in an Interlocking Cord
Model representative of the Zones of Influence. The interlocking model exemplifies the overlapping
discipline strategies used by mothers. Discipline strategies vis-à-vis the three zones of influences
revealed three engaging themes: Responsive, Reactive and Reliable
