In German research social support is an underestimated dimension of he
alth, wellbeing and coping with crisis in single parent families. Foll
owing a review of international research on structural and functional
characteristics of single parents' networks, the authors present preli
minary data of a qualitative study focused on the support relationship
s of single mothers and their children. The often neglected role of ch
ildren as sources of support for their parents is discussed.