American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which family structure consists of one parent caring for children?

1. Single-parent family

2. Extended family

3. Blended family

4. Complex family

The correct answer is: Single-parent family

The correct answer is the single-parent family. This family structure is characterized by one parent who takes on the responsibility of caring for and raising children on their own. This could be due to various circumstances such as divorce, death of a partner, or a decision to raise children independently. In contrast, the extended family structure includes additional relatives beyond the immediate parent and children, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles living together or close by. A blended family involves the merging of two separate families, usually after remarriage, where one or both partners have children from previous relationships. The complex family structure refers to families that consist of multiple adults or more intricate relationships among members, which often include various combinations of related and non-related individuals. Thus, a single-parent family is distinct in that it highlights the singular role of one parent raising their children, which clearly defines its unique characteristics.