Parenting children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: finding a balance.

PURPOSE. This study described the role normalization played for parents related to their young children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. DESIGN AND METHODS. The data source for this secondary analysis was 30 interviews with 16 parents. RESULTS. Three themes were identified: normalization, parental perception of child vulnerability, and optimistic appraisal. Parents engaged in a balancing act between worrying about their children's vulnerability and marveling at their children's survival, using normalization as a coping strategy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses can collaborate with parents to determine strategies to restore a sense of normalcy to simultaneously promote child independence and parent well-being.