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Despite their vital caregiving contributions, fathers remain underrepresented in pediatric palliative care research, particularly outside oncological contexts. This qualitative study, using a phenomenological hermeneutical design, explores the lived experiences of Norwegian fathers raising children with progressive life-limiting conditions. Thirteen fathers of children aged 1\u201318\u00a0years participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted online or in person. All children had received a diagnosis at least 12\u00a0months prior, lived at home, and received varying levels of care support. The analysis followed a modified version of Ricoeur\u2019s interpretation theory, as described by Lindseth and Norberg in their three-step phenomenological hermeneutical method, and revealed four themes: (1) \u201cBalancing between grief and relief,\u201d where fathers described emotional ambivalence during the diagnostic phase; (2) \u201cSearching for stability in an unpredictable life,\u201d where fathers often turned to information and peer support to manage uncertainty; (3) \u201cFeeling homebound yet making space for life,\u201d where many felt confined to the home but made deliberate efforts to create meaningful experiences for their children and themselves; and (4) \u201cJuggling between being a dad, caregiver, and breadwinner,\u201d where fathers navigated complex and often conflicting roles. The findings highlight the emotional and practical challenges fathers face and underscore the importance of recognizing their unique support needs. Proactive involvement in care planning, access to pediatric palliative care services, peer networks, and respite opportunities are essential not only for the child\u2019s well-being but also to sustain fathers\u2019 caregiving capacity.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1177\/10497323251398383","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,13]],"date-time":"2025-12-13T15:01:52Z","timestamp":1765638112000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/sage-journals-update-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Fathering a Child With a Progressive Life-Limiting Condition in the Context of Pediatric Palliative Care: A Qualitative Interview Study"],"prefix":"10.1177","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0006-9301-9027","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Marianne","family":"Sjuls","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Agder"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Liv","family":"Fegran","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Agder"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Mette Spliid","family":"Ludvigsen","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Nord University"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Nastasja","family":"Robstad","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"University of Agder"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"179","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,13]]},"reference":[{"key":"e_1_3_6_2_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1177\/1609406919874596"},{"key":"e_1_3_6_3_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s10897-018-0294-9"},{"key":"e_1_3_6_4_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.031"},{"key":"e_1_3_6_5_1","volume-title":"Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches","author":"Bernard H. 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