BackgroundParent involvement in neonatal care is beneficial to families and infant outcomes. Few studies have explored parental experiences of neonatal therapy participation. PurposeThis study had two purposes: 1) to explore parental attitudes and beliefs about participating in neonatal therapies, and 2) to identify barriers and facilitators to parental involvement and suggest ways to optimise neonatal therapy services. MethodsThe study design and data analysis were informed by constructivist grounded theory methods. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with nine mothers of children who had received neonatal therapy. FindingsAfter an early period of fear and powerlessness, a transition point occurred where the survival of their infant became more certain and parents were able to consider the future. At this point, participation in therapies was perceived to be more relevant.