Describes a framework for investigating the effects of immigrant family structure and parenting behavior on children’s emotional and intellectual development. This analytical model identifies risk factors as well as parent and child characteristics that, combined, influence outcomes positively or negatively. Findings based on research with Mexican migrant families suggest that: (1) behavior problems in children are closely associated with the stress their mothers experience, especially related to lower socioeconomic position and social isolation; (2) parents’ psychological state also influences children’s development, with parental depression related to higher incidences of physical and verbal aggression toward their children; (3) parenting styles that embrace warmth and acceptance foster social competence in children, but poverty can undermine expressions of affection; and (4) parents, most often mothers, lacking social supports were more likely to feel unable to cope with problems. Further research is needed in the area of social supports, which are key to the well-being of Mexican-American immigrant and migrant parents. Since parents can help mediate the effects of poverty and stress on the lives of their children, it is essential to identify those adults in need of culturally sensitive social and emotional support.
