CHILDRENS EXPECTATIONS OF THEIR SINGLE PARENTS DATING BEHAVIORS - A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF EMERGENT THEMES RELEVANT TO SINGLE-PARENT DATING

This study examines single parents' dating behavior from their childre n's perspective. Ten children between the ages of 8 and 18 were asked to respond to questions surrounding their feelings and expectations of their single parents' dating behavior. Data analysis from this qualit ative study yielded six themes relevant to the children's expectations of their single parents' dating. The themes that emerged were: connec tedness, informational certainty, openness, interpersonal acceptance, emotional security, and boundaries. Findings from this preliminary stu dy provide family communication scholars with a framework for developi ng successful strategies for parents and children during this time of transition.