ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ways in which Hispanic parents obtain and seek out parenting support both off- and online. It seeks to describe both qualitatively and quantitatively, the ways in which Hispanic parents engage with their social network both on and offline. This chapter discusses the ways in which parents utilize digital technologies such as video chat, and Facebook to maintain relationships and connections with their support networks both locally and internationally. It describes the importance and heavy reliance on local support networks by many Hispanic families. This chapter also discusses the unique ways in which social support networks exist and are utilized by Hispanic families with young children by focusing on three important constructs of support: instrumental, emotional, and informational support, as discussed by Glanz et al. Social support encompasses a large category of ways in which individuals intend to be helpful to another individual.
