Managing uncertainty: Lone parents' time horizons and agency in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This article shows the analytical value of an approach that integrates theoretical elaborations about temporal orientations different types agency (pragmatic, identity, and life course) uncertainty management, to analyse how families dealt with challenges emerged during COVID-19 pandemic.
 Background: The pandemic has been a major shock seriously challenged families' ability adapt sudden changes affecting multiple domains life. Switzerland established low-intensity lockdown in spring 2020, social-distancing measures based on official recommendations. Changes employment situations school closures resulted significant alterations family study examines individuals trajectory lone parenthood increased uncertainties generated by this novel context.
 Method: Empirical data stems from fourth wave fieldwork longitudinal project "The paths parenthood", ongoing French-speaking since 2012–2013. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 26 participants between April June 2020.
 Results: emergence situations, ambiguity measures, breakdown routines accentuated pragmatic for most families. With chronification uncertainty, parents sought regain identity restabilising everyday routines. Uncertainty future developments diminished course agency, especially more insecure situations.
 Conclusion: offers original perspective living through changing environments triggered pandemic, highlighting relevance temporalities understanding within processes.