Welfare-to-Work

Abstract

Four parenting practices were investigated among one group of female current and former participants in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, and among a second group never enrolled for TANF. The sample numbered 16,681 mother/child pairs. The mothers were able-bodied, non-elderly adults. Results demonstrate that TANF receipt wields negative impact on parenting practices and that becoming employed reduces the amount of “quality time” TANF mothers spend with their children (although new employment does not reduce the nurturing and monitoring mothers provide their children). The study also examined the role in parenting of neighborhood safety, education, racial/ethnic background, single motherhood, and mothers' anger with children.