Differences in Resources Provided by Grandparents in Single and Married Parent Families

Abstract

Relationship quality, social contact, and support provided by grandparents to single and married parents were examined using data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH). Contributions from the respondents' own parents, parents-in-law, and step-parents were examined using ANOVA and chi-square analyses. In general, respondents reported stronger ties with parents than in-laws, and with female rather than male relatives. Custodial mothers' relationships with their parents and in-laws were more strained than those of custodial fathers, and included less social contact with former in-laws. As a result, custodial mothers received less support than custodial fathers, even though their needs were greater. Custodial fathers had more income than single mothers, and they received a broader range of support from a larger network of extended kin. Therapists, family practitioners, and legal professionals can use this information to encourage custodial mothers to view former in-laws as a resource rather than a threat.

Key Words:

• Single parent
• custodial father
• intergenerational support
• post-divorce contact
• grandparents
• divorce