Patterns of single mothers' work and welfare use - What matters for children's well-being?

Few studies have captured the variation in single mothers' work and welfare experiences and the implications for children. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Child Development Study, this study examines patterns of wages, work hours, and time spent on welfare in relation to children's well-being (N = 820). Six patterns emerged and were related to differences in children's outcomes, with lower well-being among children whose mothers had left welfare for work or who stayed on welfare. Findings differed by children's age and gender among some groups. Considering how these patterns relate to children may help in the design and implementation of programs or services.