By LIZA GROSS

Remittances from Salvadorans abroad have dramatically lifted the standard of living of many in this Central American nation, but many here say there has been a steep social price to pay in the disintegration of the traditional family.

Marta Jenkins has lived in Los Angeles for the past seven years. She sends $600 a month to her daughter María Isabel Contreras to cover her law school tuition and living expenses.

Contreras, 25, is grateful for the chance to pursue her professional goals, but can't overcome the pain of her mother's absence.

''It is not easy to be alone. One does not get used to it. The situation is sad and hard. One needs the support of love. You know you have the love, but it is far away and you don't get it immediately,'' she said.

''When I got sick my mom used to be by my side taking care of me. I always miss her. After she left, when I got sick I used to call her up to ask her to come back,'' she added.

Oscar Chávez, a civil engineer and community leader in the rural municipality of Intipucá, is concerned about the impact of growing up with a single parent or no parent at all.

"The children are left behind with their mothers or with their grandparents if both parents leave. There is little control over their behavior and there is a loss of values. They become rebellious. This creates conflict and family crisis.''

''That part is very difficult. It's the negative counterpart'' of remittances, Chávez said.

While acknowledging that there is no definitive evidence, a 2007 UNICEF report cites several field reports that point to the negative effects of migration on children and adolescents, ranging from poor school performance due to lack of parental guidance to increased risk of trafficking.

The report, which calls for more research on the subject, adds that remittance flows can increase income inequalities among households within communities.

Chávez has seen this in Intipucá.

"The child, when he sees that those who come back make money, wants to leave and does not pay attention to education, which is a fundamental piece for local development.''

Katharine Andrade Eekhoff, a professor at the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas who specializes in the study of remittances and migration patterns, says the wealth of remittances has created a sense of entitlement to a higher standard of life.

"Kids are going to school. When they come out they have certain expectations. They will want a professional job? What kinds of jobs are available?''

These educated youths are not willing to work in menial jobs because of the support provided by remittances, she said.

''They have contacts in the U.S. and know the job they can get there,'' she added.

To try and reverse this trend, Chávez says, the Catholic Church has lately launched Saturday programs ''to give children values.'' The programs promote a culture of peace and include activities such as computer classes and sports.

Andrade Eekhoff has also looked at the challenges of spouses who migrate.

'Most of those who live are single, but a percentage has family. What happens to a relationship when you don't see your mate for five years? It forces people into a situation in which they are eventually going to find human contact and love with another person,' she said.

Studies show that married migrants sometimes establish a second family abroad. Contreras dreams of the day when she is able to repay her mother's sacrifice.

''I would want to give her back everything she has given me,'' she said. "I would want for her to stop working, and treat her like a queen.''