<p>Aim To present the use of mind maps as a way of seeking participant verification of an emerging theoretical framework.</p> <p>Data sources Exploratory interviews, based on three pre-identified study themes – impact, need for help and support, and meaning and/or sense-making -were carried out with the parents of three sub-groups of children with disabilities or complex health needs. These were: children with disabilities, children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, and children dependent on technology.</p> <p>A random sample of participants was subsequently presented with a series of mind maps that represented the themes, categories and sub-categories (and the relationships between them) contained within a rich and complex dataset. Participants were invited to confirm or challenge elements of the mind maps to verify the researcher’s interpretation of their experiences when caring for their children.</p> <p>Discussion Major areas of consistency were identified in the experience of parents of children across the three study sub-groups.</p> <p>Conclusion Mind-maps are already well established as a tool for analysing complex data sets. This study offers a novel approach to the use of mind maps as a means of seeking participant verification of an emerging theoretical framework.</p> <p>Implications for research/practice The use of mind maps when seeking participant verification of qualitative data will require further testing.</p>