A single parent (also lone parent and sole parent) is a parent who cares for children without the assistance of another parent in the home. The legal definition of "single parenthood" may vary according to the local laws of different nations or regions.

Single parenthood may occur as the result of many things. Often it is opted for by the parent (as in divorce, adoption, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood, or extramarital pregnancy), and often it is an unforeseeable occurrence (as in the death of one parent or abandonment by one parent).

The living and parenting arrangements of single parents are diverse. A number live in households with family or other adults. When parents separate, one party usually parents for the majority of the time but most continue to share parenting to some extent with the other parent.

Single parenthood is a stage of life rather than a lifelong family form. Many re-partner and form a stepfamily.