More-than-parental care: Exploring the roles of significant others in nurturing young Filipino children

Discourse, policy, and research on early childhood care and development have largely focused on parents—their roles, knowledge, and practices. Yet raising a child is inherently collective and intergenerational. Historical and evolving sociocultural contexts highlight the growing involvement of diverse “significant others” in nurturing young children. This study explores the childcare experiences of Filipino parents during their children’s early years, from infancy to preschool (0–4 years old). Drawing from 17 key informant interviews with Filipino parents, the study emphasizes the vital contributions of multiple caregivers—including siblings, grandparents, other relatives, yayas or kasambahays (domestic helpers), and community members such as daycare teachers and health workers—in shaping parenting practices and ensuring young children’s well-being. Using an inductive approach, the analysis interrogates institutionalized, parent-centric assumptions that dominate early childhood care and development discourse. The findings underscore the indispensable roles of these significant others in children’s early development and in everyday parenting practices.