Exploring risk and resilience in low‐income families with young children

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the coping skills used by low‐income families with young children to enhance resilience during and following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background During the pandemic, families with young children were significantly impacted by stressors related to health, access to resources, financial stability, housing, child care, and educational engagement. Although the pandemic has resolved, these stressors continue to disproportionally affect this population. Methods Using purposive sampling, participants included families ( N = 24) with young children (0–5 years). Semistructured interviews were conducted to examine participant experiences. Transcripts were coded thematically using grounded theory methodology. Results Families experienced significant disruptions before, during, and after the pandemic yet showed resilience through the recognition and use of coping strategies. Conclusion Results expand understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) as related to a vulnerable and understudied population. Findings suggest hardships are mediated by SDOH, yet families with young children demonstrate resilience by leveraging coping strategies, regardless of intensity of adversity. Implications The study sheds light on a population disproportionately affected by health disparities and lack of access to resources. Practitioners must be mindful of the impact of SDOH on clients and use a strengths‐based approach focused on clients' resilience.