Delegates at the party's annual conference backed a wide-ranging motion calling for more flexible working and greater support in marriage breakdown.

But they stopped short of a proposal to allow one parent of children under two to return to work "half-time".

It comes as the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams warned of a crisis in modern childhood.

The Liberal Democrat 'Stronger Families, Brighter Futures' policy document seeks to address the issues affecting children and families.

The proposals include a Maternity Income Guarantee which aims to help maintain a family's financial and emotional stability by offering the equivalent to the adult minimum wage for a full-time working week for the first six months.

Liberal Democrat children spokeswoman, Annette Brooke, said: "If we are to provide for the well-being of children, supporting families must be a top priority. Parenting is a skilled job, and preparation and support is vital.

"Up to a fifth of children and adolescents experience mental health problems at some time in their lives and difficulties in family life and relationships are a major contributor.

"Government, rather than interfering in individuals' lives, should support parents as they face the new challenges of modern family life.