What characterizes a sole parent family?

A sole parent family is characterized as a lone parent living with at least one child. This definition captures the essence of a sole parent family structure, which is made up of a single adult who has primary responsibility for raising their child or children. It emphasizes the independence of the parent, highlighting that they are the primary caregiver without the presence of a partner or co-parent within the household.

The other options describe different family dynamics that do not align with the concept of a sole parent family. For example, a family with two parents and children represents a nuclear family structure, which is fundamentally different from a sole-parent setup. Similarly, a caregiver who is not related to the child implies a non-familial connection and does not meet the criteria for a sole parent family, which focuses on the parent-child relationship. Lastly, a family where parents are separated but cohabitating suggests a dual-parent scenario that does not typically define a sole parent family, as it involves the presence of both parents, albeit in a non-traditional arrangement.