Little research has considered the nature of parent-child relationships in stable single-parent households that have not undergone transitions such as divorce and repartnering. This study explored how single mothers and their children negotiated their relationships in a context where the mother has been parenting alone continuously from early in…

The purpose of this study was to explore how family distance regulation and other family demographic factors influence parenting behavior and family routines, which, in turn, influences the child's school engagement. The data from the project came from a larger study conducted in a large Northwestern urban area and included both two-parent and…

Using data of 775 nonresident father families and 1,407 resident father families from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this study examined whether neighborhood disorder was associated with fathers' supportive involvement in child care. Bivariate analysis indicated that mothers and children of nonresident father families were more…

Predictors of two types of cohabitation dissolution, dissolution with a continued romantic relationship and without (i.e., breakup), were examined using data from mothers cohabiting at the time of a nonmarital birth in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 1,624). Life tables indicated 64% of unions dissolved within 5 years; of…

We identified and examined relationship trajectories among low-income parents, with particular attention to fathers and mothers who never marry but maintain potential for greater commitment. Through analyses of life history interviews with a diverse sample of 71 fathers in the Midwest, we used a life course framework to examine the process of…

We surveyed randomly selected parents in one state (N = 1, 081) to examine sources they used to gain child-rearing information. On average, parents used five sources, most commonly books and family members. Usage patterns generally followed the "digital divide" perspective whereby higher education levels were associated with greater usage.…

In this paper, we advance and test an integrative model of the effects of employment status, nonstandard work schedules, male employment, and women's perceptions of economic instability on union formation among low-income single mothers. On the basis of the longitudinal data from 1,299 low-income mothers from the Three-City Welfare Study, results…

Used qualitative interview data from study of 60 single-parent mothers and 11 single-parent fathers to examine family problems and strengths identified by these parents. With exception of family finances and ex-spouses, mothers and fathers seemed to have very similar experiences. About two-thirds of single parents reported that single parenting…

Parenting confidence can be undermined by the presence of frequent or persistent health problems, particularly for people living in rural communities that have limited access to adequate health care. However, little is known about how minor health problems in the family impact parenting. The current study examined single and coresident mothers'…

Using family life stages, life span careers by stages are constructed for several empirically distinct types of single-parent families. The paths of divorced, widowed, and remarried women depart in distinctive ways from the cental highway of model two-parent families in timing and duration of family stages over the life span. (Author/BL)

Presents a proposed typology of absent parents who do not pay support, as well as observations on certain emotional issues for the nonrecipient parent which should be resolved. (Author/BL)

Evaluated involvement of children from single-parent and stepparent households in 4-H clubs. Used case study approach, with data collected via written materials; interviews with 4-H staff; and mailed questionnaires from professional staff, paraprofessionals, and parents. Children from single-parent households were found to be underrepresented, as…

Investigated characteristics of healthy single-parent families. Single parents and their children reported fairly high levels of both physical and mental health. Communication, social support, socioeconomic status, religiousness, and problem solving were also correlated with the mental and physical health of parents and children. (Author/BL)

Examines the work, personal, and family demands and adjustments of Air Force single parents (N=157). Also examined are the level of single-parent interest in and use of support services to meet their personal and family responsibilities and needs. Overall, single parents in the Air Force are found to make successful adjustments to the exigencies…

Examined the differences in personal health practices by family type--single-parent versus two-parent--and the relationship of family characteristics--socialization practices, extent of social networks, health training efforts by parents, family socioeconomic status to personal health practices in single-parent and two-parent families (N=41).…