What type of family structure consists of only one parent caring for children?

A single-parent family structure is characterized by one parent who is responsible for the care and upbringing of their children. This type of family often arises from various circumstances, such as divorce, separation, or the choice not to marry. The key feature that defines a single-parent family is the existence of one adult who fulfills the role of both caregiver and provider for the children, often taking on multiple roles within the household.

In contrast, dual-parent families involve two parents raising children together, extended families incorporate additional relatives such as grandparents and aunts/uncles living together or maintaining close bonds, and nuclear families consist of two parents and their children living independently from extended relatives. Each of these structures highlights the diversity of family life, but the defining characteristic of a single-parent family is the singular parental role in the child's life, emphasizing the challenges and resilience that often accompany this family type.