Walang Ilaw: Lived Experiences of Left-Behind Children of OFW Mothers

Abstract

Labor migration is one of the key phenomena affecting many Filipino families. As parents, particularly mothers, work overseas, the children are left behind, often forcing them to adapt through the numerous changes in the mother-child relationship and the family. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of left-behind children of OFW mothers as they describe their new family dynamics and elaborate the changes to their relationships with their mothers, as well as examine the problems they encountered and investigate their quality of life and well-being. To do this, the study used a phenomenological research design, utilizing 12 individual, in-depth interviews with left-behind adults who grew up with an OFW mother. Thematic analysis of patterns among the responses followed, garnering 12 main themes. These themes showed that migrant mothers actively involve themselves into their children’s lives, while varying levels of openness and frequency of mother-child communication are present. Meanwhile, left-behind children are also burdened by added responsibilities that are still different from the burden that befalls to people who fulfill the gaps that the migrant mother has left. Left-behind children also report having an improved financial situation, while their emotional well-being is the opposite. Lastly, the study also shows the meanings left-behind children ascribe to their experience, seeing it as an economic sacrifice, while appreciating the importance of their mothers’ presence.