The number of single-parent families has increased across Europe to an average of 10.4% of families. Single parents, especially single mothers, face higher risks of poverty, lower employment opportunities, and difficulties combining work and childcare. As a result, children in single-parent households are also more vulnerable, with greater risks of living in poverty, poorer educational and health outcomes. However, these problems are not due to family structure alone, but also a lack of support through inflexible work policies, unequal gender roles, disparities in family benefits and insufficient shared parenting support after family breakdown. Policy measures are needed to address gender inequalities, increase childcare and flexible work options, support skills training and career development, and promote