A single parent family is a household in which one parent is responsible for raising and caring for the children. This can occur due to various circumstances, such as divorce, separation, death of a spouse, or a conscious decision to become a single parent. Single parent families have become increasingly common in today's society, redefining the traditional notion of a family. It's easy to feel alone when you're a single parent, but we're here to tell you that you're not! Frolo is an inclusive, bustling community of single parent families, just like yours. Welcome! 

How many Single Parent Families are there in the UK?

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are just under 3 million single-parent households across the UK, which equates to approximately 15% of all households.

The ONS also reports that in 2022, there were over 2.94 million single parent families in the United Kingdom. Gingerbread, a charity supporting single parents, states that there are around 1.8 million single parents in the UK, making up nearly a quarter of families with dependent children. 

What is a Single Parent Family?

The ONS defines a single-parent family as a household where there is one adult with dependent children. Single-parent families come in various forms, including divorced parents, widowed parents, non-married parents who split up, and parents who are single by choice. Each type of single-parent family has its own unique dynamics and challenges.

Understanding the number of single-parent families in the UK provides insight into the experiences and needs of this significant portion of the population. It highlights the importance of support systems, resources, and policies that can help single parents navigate the challenges they may face. More importantly, it shows us how every member of the single parent community is united by common challenges and goals. And that’s what Frolo is all about, after all! 

Find single parent families just like yours on the Frolo app today. 

Types of Single Parent Families

There are different types of single parenting families, each with its own unique dynamics and challenges. These include:

1. Separated Co-Parents: This type of single parent family occurs when parents are divorced or separated but continue to share parenting responsibilities. They may have joint custody or visitation arrangements for the children. Join the co-parenting group on the Frolo app and find people facing the same challenges as you.
2. Solo Parent by Choice: Some individuals choose to become single parents through methods such as artificial insemination, surrogacy or adoption. They intentionally raise children on their own without a partner. There are several solo parenting groups on Frolo, including a support group, solo mums by choice, and solo parents of SEN kids.
3. Solo Parent not by Choice: When the other parent of your child chooses not to stick around, but you were hoping to raise your child as part of a team, you become a single parent. These single parents do not have the support of a co-parent to navigate their parenting journey. Share your story on the Frolo feed and you'll find help and support at your fingertips.
4. Adopters: Single individuals or couples who adopt children and raise them as single parents fall into this category. They are able to provide a loving and nurturing environment for their adopted children, but also face additional challenges that are unique to solo adopters or separated adopters.
5. Widows and Widowers: When a spouse passes away, the surviving parent becomes a single parent. They face the challenge of raising children on their own while coping with the loss of their partner.

Along with these main groups there are a host of intersections that also make a parent’s single parent family unique. At Frolo you’ll find your people, no matter how alone you feel at the start of your single parenting journey. We’re all in this together! 

How To Find Families Like Yours

When you download the Frolo app, you can use the discover tab to find single parent families near you or online. You can search by gender, location, age, kids and your parenting set up, to include solo parents, widowed parents, LGBTQ+ parents and more.

Your family might not look like those represented in the media, but there is NOTHING broken about your home. Connect with likeminded single parents on the Frolo App and find your village today.