Motherhood muzzled: the challenges in recruiting mothers of preschool-aged children

This reflective process paper outlines the challenges encountered in trying to access mothers of preschool-aged children in a child-focused setting. Two recruitment approaches were implemented yielding eight respondents. Three key themes for recruitment challenges emerged at societal, service, and personal levels—no time, no money, and a lack of priority given to the well-being of mothers in a child-focused setting. This article also outlines the methodological rationale for the chosen approach and explores alternatives based on previous research into hard-to-reach and hidden populations. The data support questions as to the agency of mothers, and the validity of the voices we do hear from most—the vocal Internet minority. Through this study, questions arise as to the lack of importance placed on the well-being of mothers by early childhood services and mothers themselves, and how this may affect research, education, and service delivery.