Home Alone: Children as Caretakers in León,Nicaragua |
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| Authors: | Kjerstin Dahlblom Andres Rodríguez Herrara Rodolfo Peña Lars Dahlgren |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Division of Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Ume? University, Ume?, Sweden;2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, León University, León, Nicaragua and Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Ume? University, Ume?, Sweden;3. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, León University, León, Nicaragua;4. Division of Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine and Department of Sociology, Ume? University, Ume?, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | This article seeks to explore and understand the life situations of sibling caretakers in poor areas in León, Nicaragua. The every day lives for caretakers were studied through observations and interviews with children, informants and parents. The children themselves were satisfied and proud to be trusted as caretakers and felt useful in contributing to their families’ livelihood. However, in a life course perspective the caretaking role implies a narrowing of life options. Early on they seem to acquire essential life skills but as they grow older many are at risk of falling behind due to their marginalised situation and lack of basic education. |
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