Broadly:
* A household headed by a single adult who is primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of one or more children.
More specifically, it can be defined as:
* A household with one parent (mother or father) and at least one child under 18 years old living together. This definition is often used in official statistics and research.
* A household where one parent has sole custody or primary custody of their children. This definition acknowledges that there may be shared parenting arrangements, but one parent is the primary caregiver.
* A household where one parent is raising their children without the active involvement of the other parent. This definition can include situations where the other parent is absent due to death, divorce, separation, or other circumstances.
It's important to note:
* Single-parent families can take many forms. They may include adoptive, foster, and step-parents, as well as grandparents or other extended family members who are raising children.
* The term "single parent" can be sensitive. Some people prefer to use terms like "solo parent" or "lone parent" to avoid negative connotations.
Ultimately, the best definition of a single-parent family is one that accurately reflects the unique circumstances of each individual household.