Perspectives from Mothers on Child Maintenance and Family Well Being: Policy Implications

Abstract

Very often mothers are left to bear the social, emotional and financial burdens of parenting when relationships between parents do not work out. Although fathers claim to yearn for better relationships with their children, poor relations with mothers of their children is often cited as the primary reason for their estranged relationships with their children. Building upon an initial research undertaken to ascertain the impact of child support, father child relationships and family well being, this article will present the findings from a survey undertaken with mothers to garner perspectives on child maintenance and family well-being. It will seek to suggest mechanisms which can influence policy for child maintenance and parent child relations when parents are separated with the intent towards the improvement of child and family wellbeing.